Many people grind their teeth at night or experience painful jaw conditions. These conditions can often be corrected by wearing an occlusal guard. The following provides information explaining occlusal guards, the different types of guards, how to take care of them, and when they may be needed.

What is an occlusal guard?

An occlusal guard is a piece of plastic that is worn over the teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching. It is made in the shape of a horseshoe. It creates a barrier between the teeth. It is usually made of acrylic, vinyl, or types of resin. The person bites on the plastic instead of grinding on their teeth. This keeps the enamel on the teeth from being destroyed. It can also help people suffering from the condition TMJ.

How do they work?

A guard is usually only worn at night when the individual is sleeping. Sometimes during stressful events it may be recommended for an individual to wear it during the day. Once an individual has been fitted to wear a guard it needs to be worn on a regular basis. These devices are fitted in a similar way that retainers are fitted. Since teeth shift and move throughout an individual’s life if it’s not worn for several weeks or a few months it may not fit. Most individuals should notice positive results after using their guard for only a few days.

Bruxism and TMJ

There are a variety of reasons an individual may need an occlusal guard. The two most common conditions requiring a guard is bruxism and TMJ. Bruxism is teeth grinding. Many people grind or clench their teeth while sleeping for a variety of reasons. Often people grind their teeth while sleeping due to stress. It may also just be a subconscious habit. While this usually happens at night, it can happen during the day as well. Unexplained damage to the teeth, tongue, or jaw are often symptoms of bruxism. Bruxism can sometimes lead to TMJ. TMJ, however, can consist of a broader range of problems with the teeth and the jaw. TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. This includes a variety of jaw disorders. These may include pain and tightness in the jaw area. It can also include earaches and popping in the jaw when chewing. Since TMJ encompasses a variety of ailments and problems treatment can be just as diverse. Some doctors suggest the best way may be to initially do nothing. This is especially true of children and teenagers who may simply be going through growing pains. Sometimes an occlusal guard is recommended. In rare cases surgery may be suggested. Consistently waking up each morning with tenderness or pain in the mouth or jaw could be symptoms of bruxism or TMJ. Experiencing headaches in the morning or an increased sensitivity in the teeth are also symptoms. Dizziness and hearing loss can even be symptoms of TMJ.

Types of guards

Once a person has been diagnosed with either bruxism or a type of TMJ, a health professional may recommend wearing an occlusal guard. In general, an occlusal guard is the same as a night guard. They can be custom-fitted from a dentist. These often will cost hundreds of dollars. They can also be purchased at many drug stores for $10 to $20. Sometimes guards can be ordered online. A dentist or other health professional can recommend what type of guard is needed in each case. Some guards are made to fit over both rows of the teeth or only one row. The guards can also be made to fit over groups of teeth or an individual tooth. When deciding whether to wear a guard covering one row of teeth or both rows the dentist would consider where there has been the most damage to the teeth. Grinding may occur more often in different areas of the mouth depending on the individual.

Maintenance

People who severely grind their teeth may need to replace their occlusal guard once a year. Those with a less severe problem may be able to keep the same one for several years. An individual should not eat or drink anything except water when wearing the guard. Make sure to keep it in a clean, dry case when it is not being worn. Make sure the guard is never wrapped in a tissue or in another common item that may easily be discarded. Tartar and plaque can build up on a guard just like it does on teeth. It is best to rinse it with water on a daily basis and then clean it with toothpaste and a toothbrush a few times a week. When visiting the dentist it can be professionally cleaned at this time. Harsh denture cleaners should be avoided.