Teeth Grinding, Bruxism and Nightguards in Midtown Manhattan

Our bodies often react to everyday pressures in surprising ways. For example, many people grind their teeth, often without knowing it — a habit that dentists call bruxism. Night guards can be a valuable tool when it comes to protecting your teeth from the harsh effects of grinding or clenching.

Signs that you might be grinding your teeth

Most people aren’t aware that they are clenching or grinding their teeth. We are often the first to notice the signs of teeth grinding, which include chipped or cracked teeth or worn, damaged spots along the edges of teeth. While most people grind their teeth while they’re sleeping, many also clench or grind during the day, especially when they’re feeling tense, worried or pressured.

If you are grinding your teeth, you might notice:

• Toothaches and tooth sensitivity
• Pain or tenderness in your jaw muscles or joints
• headaches
• pain that feels like an ear ache
• neck or face pain or soreness
• Loose teeth
• Damaged dental work
• Flattened, worn or short teeth

Causes of teeth grinding

Though bruxism is usually thought of as a symptom of stress, it can also be caused by:

• Sleep disorders
• Teeth that don’t align properly
• Missing or crooked teeth
• Medications
• Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco

Taking steps to protect your teeth - night guards

Clenching or nighttime grinding can cause serious damage to your teeth over time. Night appliances prevent clenching and grinding by protecting your teeth while you sleep. This appliance can also place your jaw in a more favorable position to reduce joint and muscle strain. The appliances are custom-made to fit comfortably without interrupting your sleep.

Other causes of jaw pain

If your jaw is tender or sore, teeth grinding might not be the cause. Jaw pain can also be caused by:

• Sinus problems
• Infections
• Arthritis
• Injuries
• Gum disease
• Problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The right treatment will depend on what’s happening in your mouth and body. We will do a careful exam, possibly including dental x-rays, to look for the possible cause and point the way to steps that will offer you relief.

Caring for your night guard

Now that you have a night guard, it’s important that it’s cared for properly so that it can continue protecting your teeth for as long as possible. Your daily oral health routine should include cleaning your night guard. Follow these complete instructions for cleaning your night guard and it should stay in great shape for years to come!

• Rinse immediately after wearing - Each time you wear your night guard you should rinse it with warm water as soon as you remove it from your mouth. This will remove debris and plaque from the night guard.
• Brush the night guard with your toothbrush - After rinsing, give your night guard a light brushing with your toothbrush. Some people prefer using a separate toothbrush just for their night guard, but it’s okay if you want to use the toothbrush you use to brush your teeth daily. Toothpaste or soap are good non-abrasive daily cleansers for your guard.
• Lay your night guard on a clean surface and allow it to dry completely - It’s important to allow your night guard to dry completely before storing it to prevent rapid bacterial growth.
• Always store your night guard in a case - When you are not wearing your night guard it is important that you keep it stored in a case. Be careful not to store your night guard anywhere subject to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Be aware that pets love new chew toys, please keep your night guards safely out of reach of your pets.
• Keep your case clean - Cleaning your night guard can become a wasted effort if you put a clean night guard into a dirty case. Keep the case clean by hand washing it every few days with regular dishwashing soap. After washing, allow the case to dry as to prevent bacteria growth.