Have you woken up with sore jaws, tense or tired muscles? If so you may need a mouth guard. Bruxism or more commonly called grinding is excess wear on our teeth. As stress increases and anxiety heightens our bodies release this energy. It may even be caused by intense concentration. Young children often show signs of bruxism but generally it goes away.
Symptoms of bruxism often include loud sounds and worn teeth which often leads to increased sensitivity. Jaw pain (TMJ), clicking, earache and headache. Chewing of the cheek, sore or tense muscles. All may be signs of bruxism.
There are different types of mouth guards, so it is important to consult your dentist to be sure you choose the correct type. Athletic guards are worn for sports and will protect both upper and lower teeth. A soft mouth guard, which may be made to fit the upper or lower jaw. They are flexible. A hard mouth guard, may also be made to fit the upper or lower jaw and are more rigid. For those who cannot tolerate the fullness in their mouths there may be another solution. NTI is a smaller guard and fits the lower teeth in the anterior region.
If you suspect you are suffering from bruxism, consult your dental professional.