they say this is responsible for the jaw pain and locking i have been experiencing...they adviced using a mouth guard...where do i get one???is this serious problem??
2006-09-07 23:39:13 · 14 answers · asked by gudds 5 in Health ➔ Dental
Best to go to a dentist and be fitted for one.
2006-09-07 23:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A nightguard is a good start, but you need someone to really evaluate your bite to determine why you grind. There is a position in which the jaw is fully seated in its "socket" and there's a position where your teeth "mesh". If these two aren't in harmony, then that can be the cause of grinding and/or clenching. The jaw relaxes an goes into it's "socket" then the teeth try to close and when they do, it brings the jaw out of it's socket, and the battle begins. A nightguard will help prevent wear on the teeth, but it is only a temporary fix. I recommend seeing a dentist that deals with occlusal issues like that. Do some research and find a dentist who truly focuses on improving the bite, not simply the appearance. A nightguard can be made by your dentist by taking an impression of your teeth in the office. They'll make it from a model of your teeth, and it's usually ready in a couple of days. Remember it's a temporary fix. Do your research.
2006-09-11 08:04:17 · answer #2 · answered by gringa1171 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is called bruxism and includes clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. Some have wrongly characterized bruxism as a habit. Bruxism is caused by the activation of reflex chewing activity. Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways with higher control by the brain. During sleep, the reflex part is active, while the brain control is inactive. The result is an abnormal chewing action known as bruxism. Some dentists believe it is due to a lack of symmetry in the teeth; others, that it reflects anxiety, digestive problems or a disturbed sleep pattern.
As for the second part of your question, generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance – called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.
2006-09-08 00:45:51 · answer #3 · answered by Green Alex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom grinds her teeth. There is really nothing you can do to stop because you are asleep when you are doing it. The best thing to do is to get a mouth guard. My mom waited too long and her teeth were cracked. Just go to the store maybe something like Academy and by a mouth guard. I think some can be found in the football section. Its a little bit of a hassle but is better then 100's of dollars of dental work from it. You can also call your dentist and ask for something from him. I hope it all works out.
2006-09-08 18:44:10 · answer #4 · answered by A* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dentist can fit you with a mouth guard.
You might be under a lot of stress. Reduce or eliminate the stress and you'll probably stop grinding your teeth.
2006-09-07 23:42:23 · answer #5 · answered by ssbn598 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
only reason one gnashes teeth is because of stress and sometimes worry ocer a loved one or it could be anything the best way with out fitting a mouth guard is to tap your right toe with you finger nail it's like a flicking gesture the kind you do shoo off an insect fom your desk or paper with your thumb and index finger hard five times before going to sleep and when you are doing it think in your mind that your not going to grind your teeth tonight.... it works i have experienced it myself it's a scientific solution in ayurveda
2006-09-07 23:48:08 · answer #6 · answered by tinkle bell 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dentist can help you get the right guard to help. And yes it is serious, you can damage your teeth and even break them so get it sorted out as soon as you can. My hubby put off getting one and has actually broken a tooth and snapped a ceramic filling!!
Cost him much more to get the repairs than the guard would have in the first place!!
2006-09-08 00:03:19 · answer #7 · answered by red260z 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem, I went to they Dentist and had a soft night guard made. There are a couple of types hard or soft. It work wonders for me. No more jaw pain. It can lead to TJM, if you don't have it taken care of.
2006-09-08 02:10:32 · answer #8 · answered by Wen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen them at Target in the pharmacy section. If I were you, though, I would go see your doctor about it, they can fix it sometimes and at least save you a couple of bucks by prescribing the guard. But definitely get a guard, you are risking your teeth and arthritis as well as a loss of sleep.
2006-09-07 23:47:57 · answer #9 · answered by Scott K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You most likely have TMJ. Go to webmd.com and look it up-it will tell you all about it. You can go to your dentist and be fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night to alleviate the problem.
2006-09-07 23:46:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In that case don't try Ecstasy. That stuff will make you grind them more, haha. I swear everyone grinds their teeth on it. It's kinda weird.
2006-09-07 23:44:11 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋