Last updated on October 13, 2022
I grind my teeth so much that I have been recommended a mouthpiece for teeth grinding.
Is it something I have to use?
Since teeth grinding can damage teeth, jaw joints, and masseter muscles, the use of a mouthpiece for teeth grinding is recommended depending on the degree of grinding.
This time,This section describes the disadvantages, benefits and costs of mouthpieces for teeth grinding!
What is a mouthpiece for teeth grinding?
What is a mouthpiece for teeth grinding,Mouthpieces to reduce damage to teeth, jaw joints, masseter muscles(*), etc. caused by teeth grinding while sleepingIt is.
Masseter muscle → cheek muscles used when chewing
In dentistry, it is called a "night guard.
Teeth grinding is often done subconsciously by the brain while sleeping to relieve stress or for other reasons.
Moving the upper and lower teeth in a grinding motion, repeating the action of chewing repeatedly with a fine clicking motion, and clenching hard can put stress on the teeth, jaw joints, and masseter muscles.
Different people grind their teeth in different degrees, and severe tooth grinding on a daily basis can cause the following problems
- The tips of the teeth are worn down.
- Chipping at the base of the teeth
- Damage to nerves and periodontal tissue from occlusal trauma
- Fillings and coverings break.
- TMJ arthritis, etc.
Since it is basically unconscious, it is difficult to control by oneself,To protect teeth, jaw joints and other parts of the jaw from teeth grinding, it is advisable to use a mouthpiece for teeth grindingIt is.
Disadvantages of mouthpieces for teeth grinding
Mouthpieces for teeth grinding can protect teeth and jaw joints and prevent problems, but they also have the following disadvantages.
- Mouthpiece needs to be checked regularly
- Costly to create and maintain.
- Can be uncomfortable until you get used to it.
- Needs care to keep clean
Mouthpiece needs to be checked regularly
As the mouthpiece wears down due to tooth grinding, after some time the mouthpiece can become punctured or broken.
Therefore, he goes to the dentist about once every three to four months,You need to have the condition of the mouthpiece checked.
Costly to create and maintain.
The creation of a mouthpiece for teeth grinding is covered by insurance, but at 30% of the cost,It costs about 3,000 to 5,000 yen to create.
There is also a maintenance fee because of the cost of hospital visits to check the mouthpiece, repair and adjustment costs, and the cost of making the mouthpiece again if it breaks.
However, there are also costs associated with treating teeth damaged by clenching or rebuilding damaged coverings.
Rather than having teeth ruined by teeth grinding and paying the cost, it is more beneficial in the future to use a mouthpiece for teeth grinding to keep your teeth healthy.
Can be uncomfortable until you get used to it.
Because you will be sleeping with a foreign object in your mouth,The mouthpiece may be uncomfortable until the patient gets used to wearing it.
There are two types of mouthpieces for teeth grinding: soft type made of soft material and hard type made of hard material.
Since the soft type is relatively uncomfortable, we recommend starting with the soft type if you can choose.
Note, however, that soft types are soft, easily punctured, and fragile.
Needs care to keep clean
Each time the mouthpiece is worn, it becomes contaminated with saliva and oral bacteria.
Once removed, they must always be washed with tap water and periodically soaked in a cleaning agent to keep them clean.
Failure to clean,Bacteria on the mouthpiece increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Effects of a mouthpiece for teeth grinding
Mouthpieces for teeth grinding also have disadvantages.
But more than that,By reducing damage to the teeth, jaw joints, and masseter muscles,It is expected to be effective in preventing the following problems
- The tips of the teeth are worn down.
- Chipping at the base of the teeth
- Damage to nerves and periodontal tissue from occlusal trauma
- Fillings and coverings break.
- TMJ arthritis, etc.
Can prevent the tips of teeth from wearing down.
Teeth grinding can cause teeth to wear down.
Areas where the bite hits hard are particularly susceptible to shaving, which can affect the appearance of the teeth as the tips of the teeth are shaved at an angle.
Also,Worn down teeth and a low bite can also lead to a poor bite and tooth alignment.
Can prevent chipping of the root of the tooth.
Teeth grinding can cause pressure on the teeth from different directions, which can cause the root surfaces of the teeth to flake off and chip, much like the walls of a room collapsing in an earthquake.
When the root of the tooth is chipped, temperature changes and irritation from toothbrush contact are transmitted more easily,May cause hypersensitivity.
Can prevent damage to nerves and periodontal tissue from occlusal trauma
by the chronic application of strong forces to the teeth,Damage to tooth nerves and periodontal tissue may occur.
When damaged, the tooth nerve becomes inflamed, causing severe pain.
Worst of all, the nerve of the tooth may die, causing the tooth to have a shorter life span.
Damage to periodontal tissue also makes gum disease more likely to worsen and increases the probability of tooth loss.
Can prevent breakage of fillings and coverings.
Fillings and coverings can break due to the force of teeth grinding.
Broken fillings and coverings are,Basically, the treatment is made and healed, and treatment costs will be incurred.
Ceramic coverings and implants made at your own expense are likely to be costly if they fail.
Can prevent TMJ disorder.
Grinding your teeth puts strain on the muscles around your mouth and jaw joints,It can cause TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder is a condition that causes difficulty in opening the mouth and pain in the jaw joint.
Protect your teeth by utilizing a mouthpiece for teeth grinding.
A mouthpiece for teeth grinding is an excellent way to protect teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding.
If you are a teeth grinder, it is recommended that you consider a mouthpiece for teeth grinding for your future dental health.
365dentist provides information on oral health and beauty!
Please come visit us to discuss your dental practice management in our open chat!
RELATED:Five toothpastes for hypersensitivity
RELATED:Can a bad bite be treated with orthodontics?
Graduated from Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, ~2018 Kyushu Medical Center, 2018-present Working at a dental clinic in Tokyo
After completing clinical training, worked in cosmetic dentistry in Tokyo. Currently a dentist and dental writer.
Japanese 
English 
Comment