Mouthguard Singapore/ Bruxism Mouthpiece for Teeth Grinding

Are you looking for a mouth guard in Singapore? You are in the right place! Learn more about Smilepoint Dental's solution for teeth grinding.

What is Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding (called bruxism) is a common dental problem in modern society and can happen when you’re awake (awake bruxism) or even unconsciously when you’re asleep (sleep bruxism). While mild bruxism often involves the grinding or clenching of teeth, it is often not a cause for concern.

However, if bruxism becomes severe and frequent, it can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other problems. This becomes a serious issue, especially during sleep, because you might not be aware that you have sleep bruxism until complications arise.

A Mouthguard/ Bruxism Mouthpiece for teeth grinding?

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

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

Mouthguards are used for various other occasions. It is used when participating in contact sports as sports guards (e.g., rugby, boxing) to protect your teeth because there is a risk of contact with the face. It is useful to wear a mouthguard 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.

Where to buy mouth guard in Singapore?

You can get a professionally customized mouthguard at Smilepoint Dental Centre. This will be custom-fit to the shape of your mouth and teeth, will be 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 needs to be taken. It will then be sent to a laboratory for fabrication. When 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, 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 they 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’re awake or asleep. Although the grinding action is the same and so is the outcome. But it is categorised as two conditions based on the time it happens.

• Awake bruxism: You are fully awake, grind your teeth, and clench your jaw. Usually, this can happen when you're in a stressful situation (stress anxiety) or highly concentrating on something. This type is tied to emotional issues such as feeling anxious, stressed or angry. This is not an issue if it is not a frequent habit. The problem comes if you happen to do it frequently and continuously. without control. As you are awake, more likely that you will notice, and there is more space for you to control. If you can deliberately stop awake bruxism often doesn’t need treatment. Reducing stress (stress management) and learning ways to become more aware of the times of teeth grinding can also help to reduce the frequency.
• Sleep bruxism: Grinding teeth in sleep. This condition may cause more harm to you as it happens during sleep and you have no control and you're not aware. You may not notice till you get the symptoms of teeth damage since you’re unaware it is happening. Another issue with sleep Bruxism is you may not aware of how strong your teeth are clenching as in some cases can use up to 250 pounds of force, causing jaw pain and teeth problems. Then the spiral of symptoms starts to appear starting with headaches. This is a condition you should get treatments for before it is too late.

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

Bruxism 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 - Sleep disruption/sleep disorders/sleep apnea
• Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
• Flapped, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
• Pain or popping in your jaw muscle

Teeth Grdining is Harmful

The damage can cause a number of problems, beginning with grinding teeth pain and wearing down or flattening teeth. Chronic teeth grinding can crack, fracture, and break parts of the teeth or loosen them completely in some cases. This means you will have to look for other dental solutions like crowns, implants, bridges and dentures. Not only does it wear down your teeth and cause tooth loss, but it can also affect your jaws and change the shape of your face.

How to stop grinding your teeth at night while sleeping?

An occlusal splint can help protect the surfaces of your teeth from attrition or occlusal wear. Occlusal splints are similar to mouthguards. They are also known as “night guards” or “bite splints." 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).

Teeth grinding in children

If you pass your child's bedroom at night and hear squeaky, popping noises, or crunching sounds, that probably can be the sound of grinding teeth. Do not get alarmed, it is more common than you think. According to the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics from 6% up 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 his/her teeth. A specially fitted mouth guard (similar to sports mouth guards) may be necessary. Routine dental visits can help find and treat bruxism.

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 regular dental check-up or book a consultation with Smilepoint Dental, and our expert dentists will have a look at your concerns and diagnose and treat accordingly.