Dreamgard Nightguards for Teeth Clenching (Bruxism)

Nightguards for teeth clenching, also known as Bruxism, are a great way to protect your teeth and save your sleep.

Bruxism is the clenching together of both the upper and lower teeth. Clenching causes pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other surrounding structures of the jaw. This clenching can cause jaw joint disorders, headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, ear pain, tense muscles, and excessive wear on the teeth. This is referred to as “TMJ” (temporomandibular joint). Bruxism can cause damage to the temporomandibular joint (the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw) if not properly treated. It is estimated that 30-40 million Americans are affected by Bruxism.

The majority of people who clench also tend to grind their teeth. Grinding is when you slide your teeth over each other in a back and forth, sideways movement. Often the grinding is a subconscious behavior that is not realized by the bruxer. A partner or significant other is often the first to hear the noise of the bruxer’s teeth grinding at night. If left untreated, this grinding can wear down your teeth. The cause of Bruxism is not completely known, but many agree that stress and anxiety play a major role.

What Is the Treatment?

Stress reduction and anxiety management are methods used to treat Bruxism and reduce the symptoms, but a dental nightguard is the most commonly used treatment method. Dr. Graham Farless recommends and offers Dreamgard custom dental nightguard. A nightguard is a horseshoe-shaped, retainer-like, plastic appliance with shallow borders that can be worn on either the top or the bottom teeth. It is intended to protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding by having a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. A nightguard is a simple and affordable decision for protecting your teeth and jaws from the damaging effects of Bruxism. When properly made by your dentist, it can help reduce clenching, grinding, and TMJ problems by helping to relax the muscles in the jaw.

For more information on bruxism and the Dreamgard nightguard call the office of Dr. Graham Farless in Greensboro, NC at 336-282-2868 or visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.