Night Guards / Splints

Preventing Your Teeth from Grinding at Night

Night guards, also known as bruxing guards, are appliances used for people who tend to grind or clench their teeth.  These guards work in several ways: they give the patient a piece of acrylic between their teeth that allow them to grind into something other than their own teeth, thereby protecting them.  They also prevent people from grinding because the feeling of having something between their teeth help patients consciously stop the habit.  Thirdly, they reduce the symptoms of TMD (tempomandibular joint disorder) whether or not the patient stops grinding.

One of the main reasons for teeth grinding and clenching is stress.  If the stress can be reduced, the grinding will also stop or lessen significantly.  The bruxing guard should be used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes to help alleviate the symptoms.

If you grind your teeth at night and want more information, contact Riverside Heights Dental in North Surrey BC for information on how we can help you.