Teeth Grinding Mouth Guard

Almost all of us have seen boxers wearing mouth guards. These devices are worn to prevent injury to teeth from the heavy blows that these players receive in the game. However, these mouth guards are not limited to just sportspersons. They are also prescribed by dentists to those who suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism. Specific mouth guards come for those that suffer from this disorder.

Types of Mouth Guards

There are three types of mouth guards for grinding teeth. They are:

Stock Mouth Protectors: These are ready-made mouth guards to protect teeth from the effects of teeth grinding. These are readily available in departmental stores or in stores that sell sports goods. However, the flip side of these teeth grinding mouth guards is that they are bulky. Also, since they are ready to wear, one may have problem with the fit. These mouth guards often cause difficulty while talking. Some even complain of discomfort in breathing while using these mouth guards. Despite their easy availability, they are poor performers in providing protection to teeth as compared to the other two types of mouth guards. This is the primary reason that dentists do not recommend the use of the stock mouth protectors.

Boil and Bite Mouth Protectors: These mouth guards provide better fit than the previous class of mouth guard for grinding teeth. These mouth guards are made of a thermoplastic material that can be easily molded into shape when they are heated slightly. One has to put this mouth protector in hot water for some time. After it has become soft, one needs to put it in the mouth and with the help of tongue and fingers, it is shaped around the teeth for a perfect fit.

Custom-fitted Mouth Protectors: As per the name, these mouth guards are made according the shape of one's teeth. For this, the dentist first takes the impression of one's mouth and teeth. A model of the individual's mouth is made as per the measurements. Then, a specific material is used to mold mouth guard that fits the individual perfectly. Needless to say, this procedure involves the services of a dentist or a laboratory. Hence, this type of mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding is the most expensive one. Despite this fact, custom-fitted mouth protectors are most comfortable and effective ones as far as protection from teeth grinding is concerned.

Why Use Mouth Guards

In bruxism, an individual clenches one's teeth or grinds those on the upper jaw against those in the lower jaw. One may do this when he is awake and also while he is sleeping. This repetitive rubbing of teeth often causes pain or problems in the jaws, headache and other teeth problems. With the teeth grinding mouth guards in place, these problems are minimized.

Points to Consider

Fit: Since many of the mouth guards are worn during the night as one sleeps, the fit of these devices is of utmost importance. From this point of view, those that are custom-made are most strongly advised by specialists. They might take a long time to get made and are also more expensive but they are most comfortable mouth guards too. Also ensure that the mouth guards you go for, have a provision that ensures unobstructed breathing while you sleep. You definitely do not want interrupted sleep due to ill fitting and inefficient mouth guards, do you?

Durability: Since these devices do not come for free, be sure that you are putting your money to good use. For durability, choose those which are made of soft but durable plastic. Some varieties are also made from rubber.

Construction: As far as construction of the guards is concerned, they are of two types. One is the single wall type whereas the other is the double wall type. If it is for a night's sleep that you are buying a mouth guard, go for the double wall type.

Grinding mouth guards are of great help when it comes to those who suffer from bruxism. Though there are quite a few options for these mouth guards, some of which are readily available in the market, it is best to refer to a dentist and get those that are custom-made.