Chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding is referred to as bruxism. It mainly occurs at night, causing a number of symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth. Stress and anxiety are the most common causes of bruxism, but an abnormal bite may also be part of the cause of these symptoms.
To alleviate the symptoms of bruxism, wearing a night guard while sleeping is recommended. The appliance is designed to fit over the teeth and to keep the jaws slightly apart. Wearing a night guard prevents a number of damaging events, including muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (the TMJ), and such dental damage as chipped or cracked teeth resulting from the teeth grinding against each other.
In addition to preventing damage to the soft and hard tissues surrounding the orofacial cavity, a custom night guard fabricated at the dental office can help curb a bruxism habit and give the wearer a better night’s sleep.