Schedule: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Night Guard Bruxism & Abfraction

hello world!

Bruxism one of the most common sleep disorders

Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity which occurs in most humans at some point in their lives.  The grinding of the teeth and the clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition, which can occur either during the day or at night.

image inside adult mouth upper

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours.  The clenching and grinding which accompanies bruxism are symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping.  For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps, cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off, and the reflex pathways to become active.

Diagnosing Bruxism

Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally.  This side to side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints.  Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders and anxiety are amongst the most common symptoms of bruxism; which often accompanies chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and alcohol abuse.

Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear.  Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks, and abrasive foods.

A BiteStrip® is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home.  The device itself is a small electromyography which senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep.  The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed and the best treatment plan can be formulated.

The four main reason why bruxism should be promptly treated:

  • Gum recession and tooth loss – Bruxism is one of the leading causes of gum recession and tooth loss; firstly because it damages the soft tissue directly, and secondly because it leads to loose teeth and deep pockets where bacteria can colonize and destroy the supporting bone.
  • Occlusal trauma – The abnormal wear patterns on the occlusal (chewing) surfaces can lead to fractures in the teeth, which may require restorative treatment.
  • Arthritis – In severe and chronic cases, bruxing can eventually lead to painful arthritis in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints (the joints that allow the jaw to open smoothly).
  • Myofascial pain – The grinding associated with bruxism can eventually shorten and blunt the teeth.  This can lead to muscle pain in the myofascial region and debilitating headaches.

Treatment options for night grinding and bruxism

There is no single cure for bruxism, though a variety of helpful devices and tools are available.  Here are some common ways in which bruxism is treated:

  • An acrylic mouthguard can be designed from tooth impressions to minimize the abrasive action of tooth surfaces during normal sleep.  Mouthguards should be worn on a long-term basis to help prevent tooth damage, damage to the temporomandibular joint and help to stabilize the occlusion.
Custom Bite guard contour

Ideal Acrylic "Bite Guard"

Other methods of treatment include relaxation exercises, stress management education, and biofeedback mechanisms.  When the bruxing is under control, there are a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, gum grafts and crown lengthening that can restore a pleasant aesthetic appearance to the smile.

 

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth...
-Luke 13:28 - The Blog for drneilmcleod.com

tooth guard to

When do I need a bite guard/night guard?

The Bite Guard sometimes referred to as Night Guard or occlusal splint as it is more correctly called, is a protective shield that is worn between the teeth.  It is principally used to protect the teeth from the damage of grinding or clenching of your teeth when asleep, or during periods of high stress.  The splint is also used to separate the upper and lower teeth while the dentist is analyzing the way the teeth come together, and for de-programming disadvantageous muscle habits that affect the position of the jaw in relation to the Temporo-Mandibular Joint.

A bite guard is not the same thing as a protective Mouthguard (which has a use in protecting the teeth during sporting or combative situations).

Soft night guards are rarely made and should not be worn for a long period of time or over many days because they cause the teeth to shift during clenching.

Dr. McLeod sitting at his desk with beautiful background scene

Dr. Neil McLeod

What is a bite guard?

The Bite Guard is usually made of hard clear plastic and covers all of the teeth in one arch, most commonly the upper arch of teeth.  Sometimes guards are made for the lower jaw, it depends on the jaw relationship and the problems being treated. The night guard covers all the teeth in one arch, and contact all the teeth in the opposing arch.  It is usually adjusted so that all the teeth contact when the jaw is in its rearmost midmost position, often called centric relation. Again this is all due to the grinding or clenching of the teeth.

A guard which is worn properly and kept clean can last about 36 months.
It is not uncommon for the jaw to shift to a more comfortable position when using a guard, and then both the guard and the teeth may need adjustments.

What type of bite guard is best?

Patients often ask if they can just get a guard from a pharmacy or sports store and if that will do.  The answer is no, I'm sorry.  These guards need to be very accurately made and should be hard, not soft and flexible, so a doctor needs to make and adjust them.

You should always bring your guard with you whenever you are coming to the dental office for a checkup or cleaning or for maintenance. Professional cleaning helps to preserve the usefulness of the appliance, and it may need to be modified with time.

Please don't leave your guard where your pets can find it.  They love the smell!

damaged and worn tooth guard

WHAT IS TOOTH ABFRACTION?

When you bend a stick too much, the stick breaks. When you grind on a tooth too much, the tooth flexes and the area that bends compresses the crystals of tooth structure which dislodge and dissolves leaving a notch on the root. The notch is at the bottom front of the dental crown near the gums and is called a dental abfraction. Years ago dentists and hygienists believed that it was from brushing too hard but many patients who do not brush have these notches. Dentists now know that the notches are not due to hard bristle brushes or hard brushing.

What do I need to know about Dental Abfraction?

The most common teeth to suffer from dental abfractions are the bicuspid teeth, especially the upper bicuspids but the notches can also be found on cuspids and molars. The notch is created because the minerals that form the dental root crack off and dissolve due to the grinding pressures. This exposes the tooth inner surfaces of the tooth that is closer to the nerve and causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Desensitizing toothpaste like Denquel or Sensodyne help reduce the sensitivity, but the real cause is tooth grinding.

Showing a mouth with tooth abstraction

How to treat tooth abfractions?

Some dentists attempt to fill the abfraction with white dental fillings called composites but because the tooth still flexes and bends, these white filling often pop out leaving a bigger hole than the original notch. We recommend that patients first get a protective guard before attempting to fill their notches.

Up until now, research into the causes of abfractions seems to be divided into two camps- those who argue for toothbrushes and other artificial forces as the cause and those researchers who point to internal physiological sources as the culprit. The latter argument, though not providing a complete explanation, does offer a significant clue to the real cause of this troubling phenomenon.

Dealing with hypersensitivity of teeth with non-carious cervical lesions is a difficult task. These were thought to be erosion- abrasion lesions. It was Grippo, who originated the term ‘abfraction’, in 1991 to describe the pathologic loss of tooth enamel and dentin caused by biomechanical loading of forces.

Free Appointment Booking

Dr. McLeod would love to improve your smile!
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Dr. Neil McLeod, DDS

phonecalendar-full linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram