Clenching and Grinding of Teeth

A dental night guard is a hard and/or soft acrylic appliance that can be used to help prevent damage from bruxism (clenching and grinding of teeth) and can help alleviate symptoms of pain and discomfort from some TMJ (tempro-mandibular joint dysfunction or disease) disorders. 

For some TMJ disorders, the jaw may not be in the most ideal position, which can put pressure and eventually cause damage to the tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control the jaw. This may cause discomfort and pain in the jaw joint. which may affect chewing, biting down, opening and closing of the jaw. In certain cases, a night guard is an excellent device to help alleviate this discomfort by preventing clenching and grinding of the teeth and jaw by allowing the muscles to relax and by reducing the strain on the jaw joint. A night guard also helps protect teeth and existing dental work from fracturing and wearing away if you are clenching and grinding your teeth. 

A custom fitted night guard works by separating the teeth slightly, which leads to reduced strain on the jaw joint and protects the teeth from the strains of clenching and grinding. Because night guards keep the jaw slightly open, they reduce muscle spasms and allow the jaw muscles to relax. 

In most cases, patients find relief with custom made night guards for TMJ discomfort and the effects of clenching and grinding. However, if a night guard does not alleviate the symptoms of TMJ discomfort or worsens them, then other treatment modalities are recommended with specialists including physical therapy, botox treatment, and more specialized care by TMJ specialists.  

If you have discomfort from bruxism (clenching and grinding your teeth) or show signs of TMJ disorder, contact the dental office for a consultation and learn more about your options for a night guard and other treatment modalities.