Tooth-grinders, heed this: the earlier you catch the damage, the better your prognosis.

Want to know one excellent way to combat the bothersome habit of nighttime tooth-grinding? Use of a night guard – every time you sleep. If you think the trouble or expense isn’t worth it, or you aren’t even entirely sure it’s tooth-grinding behind what seem to be increasingly shorter teeth, headaches, jaw pain and a perturbed sleep partner, it’s probably time to visit your dentist. Based on the amount of damage you’ve done already and the symptoms you describe, your dentist can determine whether a dental night guard is right for you.


Custom-Made vs. Over-the-Counter

Once your dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for a night guard, he or she will create a guard custom-made for your mouth. The professionally made night guard is composed of soft material and slides over one row of your teeth. Once securely in place, you can sleep soundly knowing that even if you do grind your teeth once you’re asleep, your upper and lower teeth will no longer make contact.

The result? Teeth safe from the perils of grinding.

It’s important to note that night guards aren’t necessarily covered by insurance. Given the cost (out-of-pocket) of a night guard -- some report figures as high as $900 -- you may be tempted to purchase an over-the-counter night guard. While this type of guard may do the trick, it’s not custom-fit to your mouth. The end result then is that this store-bought guard may be both uncomfortable and, when you’re wearing one, it may be almost impossible to get a good night’s sleep.

If a night guard is recommended for you and you don’t have the funds, discuss your options. Believe it or not, your dentist is on your side! Many dental offices will set up payment plans or work with you in a way that allows you to get the treatment you need.


Are You a Night-Grinder?

Does it seem that your teeth are fitting together in new and perplexing ways? Do you know that you’re cavity-free, but do you still experience sensitivity on what appear to be filed-down teeth? Does your sleep partner complain that sleeping next to you is akin to the sound of fingernails scraping along a chalkboard?

Tooth grinding, known as bruxism in dental-speak, is a not at all uncommon nighttime phenomena. It may be mild and sporadic or seemingly unending and frequent. And sure, during times of intense duress, some of you may find yourself grinding away during waking hours. However, during waking hours, it’s easy to correct behavior as you notice it. Spend every night grinding away in your sleep and the results could render your teeth useless or you toothless.

Causes and Next Steps

Although the causes of tooth-grinding aren’t fully known, stress may be a contributing factor. Other schools of thought chock this condition up to sleeping problems, crooked or missing teeth, and an abnormal bite.

What is known is that those who grind or clench their teeth often wake with pain in their facial region and teeth. The teeth of those who grind are prone to damage such as cracks, factures and even erosion of the dentin (the soft area underneath the tooth’s enamel). If you suspect you or someone you love is a tooth-grinder, visit your dentist right away.

Remember, your teeth deserve a rest, and so do you. Whether you’re going through a phase or not, the damage that you may be doing can mean expensive repair work down the road. When in doubt, keep in mind that prevention today may very well mean peace-of-mind and a better financial situation tomorrow.

---

Footnote