Bruxism Treatment Vancouver – Your Solution to Teeth Grinding

Custom Night Guard

A custom‐made night guard can protect the teeth and relieve pressure on your Temporomandibular Joint and jaw muscles. A custom mouth guard is made from acrylic and can be designed from teeth impressions to minimize the abrasive grinding action during normal sleeping hours. Mouth guards are expected to be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent teeth grinding and subsequent tooth damage.

If you have any questions about bruxism and custom-made night guards for teeth grinding, contact Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic at 604-336-0958.

While you're reading about dental health here, bruxism is, by all means, a type of sleep disorder. Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity that commonly occurs with most people at some point in their lives. The condition is characterized by the grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw muscles. These actions typically occur during sleeping hours, but can occasionally happen throughout the day, especially when an individual is sitting idle (at work, etc.) for long periods of time.

Chewing is a neuromuscular activity controlled by a subconscious process, but more highly controlled by the brain. During sleep, the subconscious process can become active while the higher control is inactive (asleep), resulting in bruxism.

The most common symptoms include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Earaches and hearing popping sounds
• Headaches and Facial Pain
• Depression
• Jaw Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety
• Tooth wear or tooth loss

The root cause of bruxism is not always clear. It typically occurs due to a mix of genetic, physical, and mental factors. However, some of the most common reasons someone might develop this condition include:

• Taking certain medications (antidepressants)
• Chronic stress
• Neurological disorders (Parkinson's)
• Sleep conditions (sleep apnea, sleep walking)

If bruxism is left untreated, a person can cause permanent damage to upper and lower teeth, develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ Disorder), and negatively affect a person's overall quality of life.

If you are suffering from jaw pain and are seeing damage from grinding teeth, we can help. We offer bruxism treatment in Vancouver to help with managing symptoms and alleviating pain caused by Bruxism.

Why do I need a custom night guard?

A stock guard is an over-the-counter mouth appliance available in a few sizes. This type of mouth guard is typically manufactured from polyurethane, a copolymer of vinyl acetate, or ethylene. It is inexpensive, provides a low level of protection, has little retention, and is often not comfortable. Since retention is poor, the bruxism sufferer must often hold the mouthguard in place by clenching his or her teeth together, which can be disruptive to sleep. It is advised that you consult with Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic to have a custom night guard made as a long-term solution to teeth grinding.

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Common signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches at the temples, worn or chipped teeth, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and the partner's hearing grinding at night.

Will a night guard stop grinding?

A guard protects teeth and joints. It does not “cure” the habit itself, which is often related to stress, sleep issues, or bite factors. We address contributing causes as part of care.

Are there other treatments?

Yes. Options can include bite adjustments, orthodontic treatment, repairing damaged teeth, stress reduction, sleep evaluation when apnea is suspected, and daytime habit awareness for jaw clenching. Botox injections are also a popular solution. Botox treatment for bruxism is used to temporarily paralyze the facial muscles around the jaw. Botox injections are made into the masseter muscles, which leads to more limited jaw movement and muscle relaxation over time. However, the most common treatment is a custom night guard.

How long does a night guard last?

With proper care, many guards last several years. Heavy teeth grinders may need earlier replacement. Bring your guard to checkups so we can assess wear.

How do I care for my guard?

Rinse after use, brush gently with a soft brush (no toothpaste), let it air-dry, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water. Clean regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner.

Can bruxism cause TMJ disorders?

Yes. Chronic grinding can cause TMJ disorders through straining the TMJ itself and surrounding muscles. This can lead to a person experiencing jaw pain, hearing popping sounds from the jaw joint, jaw tension making it difficult to open the mouth, or headaches. A custom nightguard is a common TMJ treatment option.