Mouth guards are used in a range of dental procedures, their most common application being for orthodontic practises such as Invisalign or Clearstep aligners, and home bleaching kits. They can also be used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism), in order to protect the ‘bite’ or occlusion of the jaws and/or joint disorders. But if we think of a mouth guard we would normally associate them with sports, like rugby, martial arts or boxing. If you’ve had a hard week at work in the Wirral, it’s often great to let your hair down at the weekend and more of us are turning to sport as our choice of leisure activity. Chances are though that the sport of our choice is going to involve some form of contact, so it might be wise to get some protection for the mouth. Mouth guards not only save the lips, teeth and gums from damage and prevent injury to the jaw and neck too, but they can also protect the mouth from injury led infections and expensive corrective treatments. There are essentially three types to choose. Top of the range is a bespoke guard made and shaped specifically for you. Further down the market is a thermo-plastic guard that is softened up by boiling and then moulded to the exact shape of the mouth. Finally, the more economical end of the scale is a guard bought off the shelf that can be trimmed to fit once you get it home. Playing sport can be invigorating, healthy and rewarding, getting a mouth guard can keep it that way.
Posts Tagged ‘Teeth grinding’
Guarding your mouth in the Wirral
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010All You Want to Know About Teeth Grinding
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Here is another reason why you should avoid stress. Teeth grinding!
According to Toxteth dentists, stress is the primary cause of bruxism, the habit of teeth grinding and clenching. A mild bruxism may not pose a threat on your health. It is when bruxism happens during sleep that makes it a major health issue.
Most cases of bruxism are activated by reflex chewing activity. Here are some symptoms of bruxism:
• Tension or stress
• Eating disorders
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Jaw pain
• Depression
• Insomnia
Several factors are identified to be associated with bruxism:
• Malocclusion, an occlusion problem of the lower and upper teeth.
• Sleep disorders such as hypopnea, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and moderate daytime sleepiness.
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Over consumption of foods and caffeinated drinks such as colas and coffee
• High blood alcohol level.
• Excessive stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases
• Use of stimulant drugs
If you have the telltale symptoms of bruxism, talk to your Toxteth dentists and have your jaw and mouth examine for signs of teeth grinding or clenching.
You can also take these steps to avoid becoming a teeth grinder:
• Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that contain caffeine.
• Do not chew on pens, pencils and gums. Chewing on non-food items allows your jaw muscles to get used to clenching.
• Train the muscles on your jaw to relax and not to grind or clench your teeth.