Mouth Guard & Teeth Grinding

Do you grind your teeth? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people around the world grind their teeth,
also known as bruxism. A mouth guard is a perfect solution for teeth grinding.

What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental problem that can happen when you are awake or asleep. While mild bruxism is often not a cause for concern, severe and frequent bruxism can lead to a number of problems, including: Jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems

Sleep bruxism is especially concerning because you may not be aware that you have it until complications arise.

Can a mouthguard help with teeth grinding?

Yes, a mouthguard can help prevent long-term dental problems if you are diagnosed with bruxism.

A mouthguard is a dental device that fits over your teeth. It can be made custom-fit to your specific measurements to ensure comfort and a better fit. Here at Smilepoint Dental, we can provide you with a mouthguard that will fit comfortably, providing superior protection and flexibility.

Mouthguards are also used for other purposes. They are used as sports guards (e.g., rugby, boxing) to protect your teeth during contact sports where there is a risk of contact with the face. They are also useful to wear in other collision sports where accidental, unexpected contact happens, e.g., baseball, hockey, BMX bike riding, and cricket. Sports mouthguards can help absorb the shock experienced by the face, thereby reducing the risk of tooth injuries. A heavy collision may result in a chipped tooth, tooth loss, soft tissue injury, and, in severe cases, jaw injuries.

If you are concerned about teeth grinding, talk to our dentist. They can recommend a mouthguard that is right for you.

Mouth Guard Cost in Singapore

There are two types of mouth guards in Singapore. Mouth guard Singapore cost may vary based on the material used. Hard mouthguards can control bite too. After consultation with the dentist, dentist will advise you on the cost.

Mouthguard with Soft Material

$350(w/o GST)

Mouthguard with Hard Material

$500(w/o GST)

How to get a custom-fitted mouth guard in Singapore?

A custom-fitted mouthguard is a type of oral appliance that is molded to the shape of your teeth. It is used to protect your teeth from damage during sports or from grinding and clenching at night.

You can get a professionally customised mouthguard at Smilepoint Dental Centre. It will be custom-fitted to the shape of your mouth and teeth, highly resistant, and will not dislodge. This is better than over-the-counter mouthguards, which tend to be poorly fitted.

In order to make an occlusal splint or mouthguard, an impression of your teeth must be taken. This will then be sent to a laboratory for fabrication. Once it has been made, we will try it in your mouth to ensure it fits well. It may be slightly uncomfortable at first, but you will get used to wearing it. It is also essential that you wear your mouthguard according to the dentist’s instructions.

For sports enthusiasts or people diagnosed with bruxism or temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a mouthguard or occlusal splint can help prevent long-term dental problems.

Are there any side effects of wearing a Mouthguard/ Bruxism Mouthpiece?

The side effects are minimal and can vary from person to person, but the damage of teeth grinding is far greater.

Bad taste in the mouth
Excess saliva
Sore gums
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
Toothache

What are the types of bruxism?

Bruxism can happen when you are awake or asleep. Although the grinding action is the same, the outcome can be different. Bruxism is categorized into two conditions based on the time it occurs.

Awake bruxism: While awake, you grind your teeth and clench your jaw. This can happen when you are in a stressful situation (such as stress or anxiety) or when you are highly concentrating on something. This type is tied to emotional issues such as feeling anxious, stressed, or angry. It is not an issue if it is not a frequent habit. The problem comes if you do it frequently and continuously without control. Since you are awake, you are more likely to notice it, and there is more room for you to control it. If you can deliberately stop awake bruxism, it often does not require treatment. Reducing stress (stress management) and learning how to become more aware of the times of teeth grinding can also help to reduce the frequency.
Sleep Bruxism: Grinding Teeth in Sleep. Sleep bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth during sleep. It can cause more harm to you because it happens without your control and you are not aware of it. You may not notice it until you start to experience symptoms of teeth damage. Another issue with sleep bruxism is that you may not be aware of how hard you are clenching your teeth. In some cases, people with sleep bruxism can clench their teeth with up to 250 pounds of force, which can cause jaw pain and teeth problems. This can lead to a spiral of symptoms, starting with headaches.
.

How do I know if I’m grinding my teeth?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be hard to identify, especially if it happens during sleep. Here are a few ways to identify if you suffer from bruxism:

Waking with a sore jaw
Hearing it from a partner that you’re doing it
Dull headaches that start in the temples
Waking up due to teeth grinding
Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
Flapped, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
Pain or popping in your jaw muscle

Is teeth grinding harmful?

Also known as bruxism, can cause a number of problems. It can wear down or flatten teeth, crack, fracture, or break teeth, and even loosen teeth completely. This can lead to the need for dental solutions such as crowns, implants, bridges, and dentures. In addition to tooth damage, it can also affect the jaw and change the shape of the face. In some cases, teeth grinding can also lead to sleep apnea.

Here are some of the most common problems caused by teeth grinding:

Damage to teeth: It can wear down the enamel on teeth, making them more sensitive and susceptible to cavities. It can also cause teeth to crack, fracture, or break.
Jaw pain: It can put a lot of stress on the jaw joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Headaches: It can cause headaches, especially tension headaches.
Sleep problems/sleep disorders: It can disrupt sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Changes in the face: It can cause the jaw to become misaligned, which can change the shape of the face.

How to stop grinding your teeth at night while sleeping?

An occlusal splint, also known as a night guard or bite splint, can help protect the surfaces of your teeth from attrition or occlusal wear. When worn, this acts as a splint for inflamed temporomandibular (jaw) joints to reduce pain and protect your natural teeth from damage caused by grinding or gnashing your teeth (bruxism).

Here are some tips on how to stop grinding your teeth at night while sleeping:

Wear an occlusal splint. An occlusal splint is a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth and protects them from grinding. You can get an occlusal splint from your dentist.
Reduce stress. Stress is a common trigger. Find ways to reduce stress in your life, such as exercise, yoga, meditation or use of relaxation techniques
Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can worsen it. Avoid these substances before bed.
Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re less likely to grind your teeth. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
See a dentist. If you’re concerned about teeth grinding, see your dentist. They can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.

Teeth grinding in children

If you pass your child’s bedroom at night and hear squeaky, popping, or crunching noises, it is likely the sound of teeth grinding. Do not be alarmed, as this is more common than you might think. According to the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, from 6% to almost 50% of children engage in bruxism during the night. Most children outgrow it by the time they reach age 6. However, if the habit of grinding or clenching teeth continues and you regularly wake up with a sore jaw, it is best to consult a dentist. Your child’s dentist can determine if the bruxism is affecting their teeth. A specially fitted mouth guard (similar to sports mouth guards) may be necessary. Routine dental visits can help find and treat bruxism.

Here are some additional tips for prevention

Identify and address any underlying causes. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, or other medical conditions. If your child is grinding their teeth, talk to their doctor to see if there is an underlying cause that can be treated.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine. A relaxing bedtime routine can help reduce stress and anxiety. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
Avoid caffeine before bed. If your child drinks caffeine before bed, try to have them avoid it at least a few hours before bedtime.
Use a mouth guard. A mouth guard can help protect your child’s teeth from the damage caused by teeth grinding. If your child is grinding their teeth, talk to their dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouth guard.

When to see a dentist?

This is a common problem that you should take care of right away to avoid more serious dental problems. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or have any other concerns about your jaw or teeth, you can inform us of this at your next regular dental check-up or book a consultation with Smilepoint Dental. Our expert dentists will have a look at your concerns and diagnose and treat accordingly.

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Mohammad Faizal

29/04/2023

Great service! Thank you 😁

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29/04/2023

Staff were very kind and were informative in dental hygiene.

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29/04/2023

Dr Mabel was such a gem to my 5 years old ! Highly recommended Very kids friendly environment and the staff are Superb !

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26/04/2023

Had my teeth whitening done with Dr Mark and I was very happy with the result! The whole procedure was smooth and he made me feel at ease. Dr Mark’s knowledge, skills and kindness is admirable. Friendly staff at Smilepoint Dental too!

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26/04/2023

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25/04/2023

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25/04/2023

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