How To Lose Your Teeth Guard

For those who don't know, Bruxism is a teeth grinding disorder, and in fact, it is considered to be one of the most damaging dental disorders. To make matters worse, in many cases the condition goes undetected, and even if it is detected, it's usually nothing more than a mere inconvenience at first. The reason for this is because most sufferers (Bruxers) usually only suffer from the condition while they're sleeping, and most people only realize they have the condition when they frequently begin waking up with an aching jaw, ear ache, and in severe cases, even damaged teeth.

Unfortunately, if the condition is left unchecked it can lead to several other dental disorders such as TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction). This of course is a direct result of continuous grinding and/or clenching of the teeth, which eventually ends up causing the temporomandibular joints to become inflamed. This condition will usually result in a person experiencing difficulty and discomfort when they open their mouth, in conjunction with severe headaches and jaw popping.

If for any reason you believe that you may be suffering from Bruxism, then it's imperative that you go and see a dentist immediately. In the event that your dentist can confirm you have the condition he will immediately offer advice and make suggestions with regards to treatment. This can range from having a teeth guard made, or in severe cases, even surgery.

Teeth guards are essentially made from silicon by taking a mold of your teeth, and for the most part, they are very similar to the gum shields which boxers use in the ring. The guard is worn only at night when you go to sleep in order to prevent you from grinding your teeth together. Even though a teeth guard cannot prevent you from grinding your teeth, it can prevent damage. Unfortunately however, the average teeth guard costs $400.00 or more.

However good your chosen teeth guard is though, it can never be considered a cure. You may be reducing the wear on your teeth but you are not breaking the habit. You will still suffer from a sore face, headaches and ear-ache, and the chances of developing TMJ are only marginally decreased.

So what can you do to supplement your teeth guard, or better yet, get rid of your teeth guard completely? A quick trawl through the internet and talking to sufferers in some of the Bruxism forums reveals some unusual home remedies for Bruxism.

For example, why not chew on a cauliflower floret just before you go to bed? If you don't like the taste of cauliflower then you can opt for a raw carrot or even a slice of apple instead. Those who advocate this remedy claim that it helps to calm your mouth, and as a result, it helps to prevent you from grinding your teeth.

Another remedy which you may come across involves having someone massage your back, shoulders, and neck. This remedy is based on the fact that stress can act as a catalyst and that it can often induce Bruxism. Some people also recommend that you do stress relieving exercise shortly before bed.

Once you have turned in for the day and gone to bed, there are also other things you can do which may help. This includes sleeping on your back rather than on your sides or on your stomach. Those who battle to sleep on their back may want to consider using pillows in order to make it a little easier. You can also arrange some pillows in such a way so that they prevent you from rolling over during the night. Pillows can also help to ensure that there is no unnecessary strain on your neck and jaw.

Lastly, don't be tempted to have a cup of coffee just before you go to bed, and neither should you be tempted to have a nightcap, because irrespective of what you may believe, even a small amount of alcohol can result in sleep disturbances. Foods and snacks which have high sugar content should also be avoided. This is because they result in an increase in blood sugar levels, but the increase in blood sugar soon plummets and this will leave you feeling completely drained, but yet, unable to sleep. By following the tips and advice given in this article, you'll not only be able to find some relief, but you'll also be doing a lot in terms of reducing your dependency on the teeth guard.