Night
guard for teeth grinding is one of the many coping
techniques to deal with teeth grinding and (or) teeth
clenching. In medical terminology this condition goes by
the name of Bruxism. Since teeth grinding as a condition
is not limited to dental complications per say, teeth
grinding falls in the realm of wider clinical
evaluations and treatments. The symptoms of teeth
grinding and the treatments thereof are many and is
dependent on the exact nature of the teeth grinding
condition or habit as the case may
be.
What are
night guards for teeth
grinding?
Night
guards for teeth grinding are basically devices that
prevent the teeth from coming into contact with each
other and thereby minimizing the damage caused to teeth.
Such devices come in various form of splints and bite
pads that in effect take on the abrasive results of the
teeth grinding motions and leave the teeth themselves
safe from the possible wear and tear of teeth grinding.
Night
guard devices come in many types and the best way to go
about getting one is only after a thorough examination
by a specialist. An ill fitting night guard can cause
further complications. It is important to take care of
comfort and safety while deciding on a night
guard.
Are night
guards for teeth grinding the only solution to
Bruxism?
Night
guards for teeth grinding are in fact not a solution at
all to the problem of Bruxism. Teeth grinding is a
multifactorial condition that has several causal
factors. The severity of the condition depends on the
nature of the teeth grinding and its intensity. The most
common damage caused by teeth grinding is the eventual
wear and tear of teeth.
Many times
teeth grinding that persists over a long duration will
erode teeth down to such a degree as to expose the pulp
within. Sometimes cracks appear on the teeth and if not
checked immediately can lead to irreparable fractures
and infections.
For
conditions such as these where the wear and tear of
teeth has or can potentially cause severe damage to
teeth, night guards are prescribed as damage control
methods intended to minimize the harm that teeth
grinding can cause to the teeth. Night guards are
therefore not the solution or treatment for teeth
grinding. For a long term solution to the problem of
teeth grinding, one needs to undertake a multi
disciplinary and holistic approach to treat the root
causes of the condition.
