Bruxism
bite guard is a frequently prescribed method of dealing
with the oral condition of Bruxism. This oral condition
is typified by forceful jaw movements such as grinding
of teeth (and) or clenching of teeth. The causes of this
condition can be varied and there is no single treatment
that is acknowledged as the best way of getting rid of
Bruxism. However, there are several attempts at handling
the symptoms – ranging from medication to many kinds of
coping techniques.
Why are
Bruxism bite guards necessary?
Bite
guards are prescribed under the following
situations:
- When
forceful jaw movements of Bruxism results in grinding,
and gritting of teeth, especially during sleep
times
- When the
intense grinding motions of Bruxism results in a lot
of wear and tear of teeth
- When
Bruxism teeth grinding becomes a compulsive habit that
can potentially lead to wear and tear of
teeth
What are
Bruxism Bite Guards?
A Bruxism
bite guard, in essence, safe guards teeth from the
eroding effects of Bruxism and takes the damage on
itself rather than the teeth. These bite guards are
considered by many to be an effective manner of treating
teeth grinding. Bite guards are also considered to be a
good way of ensuring uninterrupted sleep for people
suffering from acute Bruxism – where sleep becomes a
problem and leads to a cycle of stress arising from
sleep deprivation, which in turn can cause the Bruxism
symptoms to intensify.
Bruxism
bite guards often go by the name of mouth guards. They
come in the form of bite pads that can be worn at night
during sleep times. There are also day time mouth guards
available for those who continue the Bruxism teeth
grinding during day time. Bite guards are made of high
quality material that can protect the teeth through the
grinding and clenching effects.
Care needs
to be taken to keep the following in mind in cases of
Bruxism bite guard use:
- The
fitting of the bite guard device has to be correctly
assessed to provide for a snug fit. One should not end
up with additional damage to teeth because of a badly
fitting bite guard.
- Examination
and consultations with a specialist is essential
before the use (and the decision to use) Bruxism bite
guards.
- Bruxism
bite guards are only coping techniques, and not a
solution to the condition of Bruxism.
- Bruxism
is a multi factorial condition and requires a holistic
approach for a real solution.
