Teeth grinding and jaw clenching affect more people than you may realize, and for many, the damage happens entirely while they sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, bruxism, the term for grinding and clenching, affects 8% to 10% of adults during sleep, while during wakeful hours it affects between 22% and 31% of the general population. Without protection, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, crack dental restorations, and lead to chronic jaw pain that disrupts daily life.
At Longwood Dental Group, a general dentistry practice serving the Brookline community for over 40 years, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating bruxism. We fit patients with custom night guards designed to protect their teeth and support long-term oral health. As a multi-specialty practice with an in-house dental laboratory, we create night guards precisely tailored to each patient’s bite, using high-quality materials and the attention to detail that keeps generations of families coming back to our practice year after year.
Understanding Bruxism and What It Does to Your Teeth
For many people, bruxism happens unconsciously, most often during sleep. Common signs include flattened or chipped tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, a sore jaw upon waking, and frequent morning headaches. Since the habit often occurs at night, many patients are unaware of it until a dental examination reveals the wear patterns.
Left untreated, bruxism can cause significant damage over time, wearing down enamel and stressing existing restorations. Our team performs thorough dental exams to identify these patterns early, allowing us to intervene before more significant damage occurs.
The Connection Between Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
Bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are closely related. The repetitive clenching and grinding associated with bruxism place excessive pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which can trigger or worsen TMJ symptoms. Patients may experience jaw popping or clicking, radiating headaches, and discomfort in the neck and facial muscles.
Stress is a well-established contributing factor for both conditions. Managing the physical effects of stress on the jaw, especially during sleep, is one of the primary reasons a custom night guard is so valuable. By absorbing the forces of grinding and slightly repositioning the jaw, a custom guard helps reduce strain on the joint and may relieve associated discomfort over time.
Why a Custom Night Guard Makes a Difference
Many patients have tried over-the-counter options before coming to us, and the feedback is consistent regarding stock guards and boil-and-bite versions, which are bulky, uncomfortable, and difficult to tolerate through the night. A guard not worn is a guard not working. Our patients are always encouraged to review our night guard care guide to keep their appliance in optimal condition.
Benefits of Night Guards Tailored to Your Teeth
Custom-fabricated night guards differ from retail options in big ways. Since they are made from precise impressions of your unique dental anatomy, they fit securely and comfortably without requiring any adjustment. Here is what sets a custom night guard apart:
- Custom-fit guards are significantly less bulky than over-the-counter versions, making it easier to breathe and swallow naturally.
- The materials used in professional-grade guards are more durable, and the appliance holds up longer under the pressure of grinding.
- A proper fit distributes force evenly across the teeth, reducing the stress on any single tooth or area of the jaw.
- Patients who switch from stock guards to custom guards consistently report wearing them more regularly because they are far more comfortable.
With our in-house dental laboratory, we can craft high-quality night guards with precision, ensuring the final product fits accurately and functions as intended from the very first night.
Bruxism, Stress, and Your Overall Oral Health
Beyond the mechanical damage it causes, chronic stress can affect oral health in other ways. Some patients experience dry mouth during periods of prolonged stress, which raises the risk of developing cavities. Others develop canker sores or notice changes in gum tissue health. Bruxism itself may also worsen periodontal conditions by increasing pressure on the bone and the tissues that support the teeth.
Addressing this condition with a night guard is one of the most proactive steps you can take to protect your oral health. For those who also show signs of disrupted sleep, we may discuss whether evaluation for sleep apnea is warranted, as the two conditions can coexist, and addressing one without the other can limit the overall benefit of treatment.
Schedule Your Custom Night Guard Fitting at Longwood Dental Group
Longwood Dental Group has been caring for patients in Brookline and the surrounding communities for over 40 years, earning consecutive Best of Boston awards from peers who recognize the standard of care we bring to every appointment. Our multi-specialty team, which includes clinicians who teach at Harvard, provides comprehensive treatment under one roof so you never have to travel elsewhere for the care you need. We are proud to serve patients in multiple languages, including Arabic, Armenian, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Tagalog.
If you are waking up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or frequent headaches, a custom night guard may be the solution. Our team is ready to evaluate your bite and fit you with a guard designed for your comfort and protection. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.