Do you ever wake up with a sore, aching jaw? Has your dentist or hygienist ever spoken to you about tooth grinding, or bruxism?

What is bruxism and how is it treated?

Bruxism is a very common condition. In short, it refers to tooth grinding, which usually occurs when you sleep, are stressed, or concentrating on a difficult task.

Bruxism can lead to a range of problems from chronic pain in the jaw, neck and back, to broken teeth, to advanced wear and tear that may eventually need restorative treatments.

The good news is that bruxism is easy to diagnose and easy to treat. The most common way to treat bruxism is through the use of mouthguards.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is basically a barrier worn in the mouth while you sleep to make it impossible for grinding to occur. There are two main types of mouthguards available at professional dental offices across the country, including your family dentist in Kingston.

These are:

1. A mouthguard created at a lab using impressions

The traditional mouthguard is custom made to fit your mouth perfectly. This is achieved through a process that includes your dentist taking impressions of your teeth and mouth using a putty material, then sending those impressions to a lab who will create your custom-fit mouthguard.

These can be created for either the top row of teeth or the bottom – whichever will be most comfortable for you.

2. A 3D printed thermoplastic night guard (or mouthguard)

Just as it sounds, these devices are created right in our office using 3D printing technology. They are made of plastic, and while they are not custom-made specifically for you, they are easy to mould to your mouth for a perfect fit.

To do this, simply place the mouth guard in hot water for one minute to soften the lining so the thermoplastic can mould to your teeth. Then, place the mouthguard in your mouth and apply pressure to create an appliance that fits your natural bite.

How do I use my mouthguard?

In order to achieve the most optimal results and really prevent you from grinding your teeth, the most important thing to remember is consistency is key. Wear your mouthguard every night. That’s when you’ll really start to notice a difference.

Mouthguards are easy to clean. All you need to do is give it a quick rinse and gentle brushing using toothpaste and toothbrush when you take it out in the morning.

It’s very important not to soak your mouthguard in any chemicals or boil it in water.

If you’re grinding your teeth and are interested in learning more about how mouthguards can help, call our team at Greenwood Park Dentistry in Kingston to schedule an appointment today.