RICHMOND DENTURE CLINIC

Mouth Guard for
Teeth Grinding

Everything you need to know about a mouth guard for teeth grinding

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding and during sports. Dental Mouth Guards or Night Guards are prescribed to patients who have cases of bruxism, which is a condition where the patient can’t refrain themselves from grinding their teeth. Richmond Denture Clinic specializes in custom made mouthguards for teeth grinding to prevent further damage.

What is a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?

Mouth Guards are plastic materials molded into the shape of your teeth and are used to prevent grinding that causes damage to your teeth. A mouth guard for teeth grinding is typically made from different kinds of plastics:

  • Copolymer clear thermoplastic
  • Polyurethane
  • Laminated thermoplastic

When you think of them, you usually think of sports related equipment, but a mouth guard for teeth grinding is a piece of dental equipment used to prevent teeth damage. These are different from your typical sports mouthguard, but it serves the same purpose: to preserve your teeth.

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What are the Different Types of Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding?

There are different types of mouth guard for teeth grinding depending on the intensity of your teeth grinding as well as the materials used in the mouth guard.

Soft Night Guard

These are made up of soft material. It’s softer and more flexible than hard night guards. These are suitable for people who have mild bruxism or clench their teeth but do not bite them.

Hard Night Guard

These are made up of harder material, acrylic. It’s not bendable or flexible. This type of night guard is prescribed to people with severe cases of bruxism or excessive teeth grinding and clenching. This is clearly the most durable mouth guard for teeth grinding.

Dual Laminate Night Guards

The term dual laminate comes from the soft material on the inside and the hard material on the outside. These are thicker and more durable. These are prescribed to people with mild cases of bruxism. Since the night guards need to withstand lots of force, dual laminate night guards are more durable but are also harder to adjust to.

When to Start Considering Getting a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding?

We suggest that you consider getting one as soon as you experience signs of bruxism. A good way to tell if you have bruxism is by asking your sleep partner if you have one. Another way to determine whether you have bruxism or not is by looking out for its symptoms:

  • Teeth are damaged, flattened, or loose
  • Worn out tooth enamel
  • Pain or sensitivity in the teeth
  • Chewing on the inside of your cheek
  • Jaw muscles that are tired or stiff
  • A dull headache that begins in the temples
  • Soreness or pain in the jaw, neck, or face
  • Earache that isn't caused by an ear issue
  • Sleep issues

Once you’ve noticed these symptoms, you should go book a free consultation to address the problem sooner before too much damage is done.

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What are the Common Causes of Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism is the medical term for unconscious clenching or teeth grinding. You may be doing this unconsciously during your waking hours or while you sleep. Awake bruxism is usually caused by extreme emotions such as fear, anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, or tension. It can also be a coping habit or a sign of deep concentration.

On the other hand, sleep-related Bruxism is classified as a sleep-related disorder. Certain dreams have been found to trigger sleep bruxism. Certain medications have also been found to increase the risk of bruxism. Bruxism has also been linked to calcium and magnesium deficiency. Bruxism could also be a sign of an underlying mental condition.

Types of Mouth Guard Fits

One-size-fits-all

These are your typical over-the-counter mouth guards. These are far from tailor-made, they will not be a perfect fit and they are the low-cost option. It is acceptable for mild grinding but you might want to consider getting better ones later on.

Boil and Bite

The most common type out there. As the name suggests, you boil the night guard in water and you bite onto it. Doing so will leave an impression on the night guard and will fit well in your mouth.

Custom Fit

These can either be ordered online or made at the denture clinic. For online orders, you will send your impressions in and after a set amount of time, they will deliver your fitted mouth guard. These custom fitted mouth protectors are going to be the most comfortable out of all the fits.

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What Type of Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding Richmond Dental Clinic Specializes In

We at Richmond Dental Clinic specialize in a dental mouth guard for teeth grinding. Custom fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in the office. Our registered denturist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard for teeth grinding provides the most comfort and protection.

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Why You Should Choose Richmond Dental Clinic for Your Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding

We offer quality services because we value your satisfaction at Richmond Dental Clinic. Before any more damage is done to your teeth, we will prescribe you quality night guards to prevent you from damaging your teeth. After that, we will try to determine the root cause of your teeth grinding and a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.

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FAQs About Mouth Guards For Teeth Grinding

The following are frequently asked questions about the mouth guard for teeth grinding that you may have. If you have any other questions besides the following or if you choose us to provide you with mouth guards, contact us.

Are there other types of mouth guards?
Yes, there are other types of mouth guards aside from dental mouth guards for teeth grinding. One of which is a sport mouthguard. These are mouthguards used for sports that require teeth clenching or may damage your teeth during vigorous activity.
How do I care for my mouth guard?
Always rinse your mouth guard after wearing. Always make sure to wash it with your toothbrush. After washing, make sure to always lay it out on a dry surface and wait for it to be completely dry. Aside from regular cleaning, make sure to deep clean it monthly.
Why should I use a mouth guard for sports?

A sport mouthguard is essential for maintaining your teeth, especially with rougher sports such as rugby, football, or basketball. You may also need a sport mouthguard if you participate in a sport that requires you to clench your teeth such as weightlifting.

Is a mouth guard safe if I have braces?
Yes, there are procedures for when the patient is fitted with braces. If you have braces, the mouth guard will be fitted with the braces in mind to make sure your experience with it will always be comfortable.
What types of materials are used for mouth guards?
For a soft mouth guard, soft, polymer-based materials are used while hard mouthguards use a harder material called acrylic. Dual Laminate Night Guards use both of these soft and hard materials.

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