by L G Hoel

Created on: March 13, 2010   Last Updated: March 14, 2010

Does your tooth grinding at night set off earthquake seismometers? Your grinding teeth and the earth's plates shifting have something in common. They both can wake up your sleeping partner. Sometimes others in the same house are even effected by the nocturnal teeth grinding.

There is a condition known as sleep bruxism, an oral habit characterized by rhythmic activity of the jawbone muscles that cause a forced contact between dental surfaces during sleep. It has been linked to headaches, joint discomfort, muscle aches, and premature loss of teeth.

Your tooth grinding is probably related to some type of sleep disorder. Waking up in the morning and not feeling rested is a sure sign of sleep disruption. If you are tired all day from sleep disruption and you are a snorer and a tooth grinder it might be a good idea to ask your doctor about a condition known as sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea and wear a chin strap at night it might help cut down on tooth grinding. You should also get a mouth guard.

You don't have to suffer from sleep loss or tooth damage due to the grinding together of your jaws. There are a number of different types of mouth protectors on the market. You should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.

There are inexpensive mouth guards available in the sporting goods section of your local big box stores. You can buy these for a couple dollars each They come with simple instructions. You put them in boiling water and form them to fit your mouth. They are inexpensive so you don't have to use the same one for a long period of time. You will also will be able to have a spare mouth guard with you wherever you go for that price. When you get used to wearing tooth grinding protection at night you will never want to sleep without it. Having a spare mouth guard along is better than leaving your motel late at night to go looking for a sporting goods store.

If you have the means, your dentist will make you a custom fitted mouth protector. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337   

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