Costa Mesa, CA patients who are dealing with a condition such as bruxism may find that they unknowingly grind and clench their teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching cannot always be prevented, especially for those who clench and grind during the night while they sleep. In situations such as this, the dentists at Smiles4OC may recommend the use of mouthguards.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a special appliance that is worn by a patient either during the day or night. It is custom made to ensure a proper fit. When patients wear the mouthguard, they are protecting their teeth from unwanted wear and tear common with bruxism. This wear and tear can cause the breakage of natural teeth and dental restorations while wearing down the enamel of a tooth that can cause sensitivity and damage. Different mouthguards are used for patients who are active in high-impact sports and activities that may put the patient’s smile at risk of damage.

Why use a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding?

Mouthguards are a simple and economical way for patients to protect their smiles during the night and day from damage caused by clenching and grinding of the teeth. Our dentists at Smiles4OC find that it is the best way to address bruxism. Additionally, patients who have bruxism caused by stress and anxiety may also find that reducing their stress levels through meditation and relaxation techniques may also reduce the severity of their condition. Those who cannot improve their stress levels or find that their bruxism cannot be controlled in this method will want to consider the use of a mouthguard.

Who is a candidate for mouthguards?

All patients can benefit from mouthguards when dealing with conditions such as bruxism. We encourage patients to book a consultation visit and initial evaluation to determine if the use of a mouthguard would be advantageous to them.

How does a dentist know that I have bruxism?

Patients may be completely unaware that they clench and grind their teeth during the night. However, their dentist may diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the teeth alone. The dentists of Smiles4OC often find that there are significant signs that bruxism is occurring and can spot them during evaluations in the dental chair. Common indications that bruxism is present include:

• Broken restorations, including dental crowns, bridges, and porcelain veneers
• Unusual wear of certain teeth, especially when the bite is misaligned
• Patient complaints of chronic jaw pain, headaches, or migraines
• Symptoms noticed by sleeping partners, including the sounds of clenching, and grinding while the patient sleeps
• Teeth that are shifting or misaligned with time

Request a visit with the team at Smiles4OC today.

Costa Mesa, CA, area patients who are dealing with bruxism are encouraged to book a consultation visit with our providers to learn more about protecting the smile and reducing the symptoms that come with this condition. Call  (714) 557-0700 to speak to our front office team and schedule a consultation to learn about the advantages of mouthguards for teeth grinding.

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