There are several risks that a quality mouthguard will help prevent against during any kind of sport or activity, and one of these that should not be ignored is teeth clenching. What exactly does this refer to, why is teeth clenching a problem, and how will a mouthguard help prevent these issues?
At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're proud to offer a huge range of custom mouthguard options for any activity, including MMA mouthguards, football mouthguards including the most affordable night guards. In this two-part blog series, we'll go over everything you need to know about mouthguards and teeth clenching - today's part one will focus on why teeth clenching is a problem in the first place and the risks it creates, while part two will go over some of the ways mouthguards help and how to choose the ideal mouthguard if clenching prevention is a top priority for you.
Connections Between Teeth Clenching and Bruxism
Some of our readers may be familiar with bruxism, the medical term for grinding of teeth and clenching of jaw muscles. While this condition is often associated with sleep-related issues, it can also happen during waking hours as well. Bruxism can cause a host of problems, from facial pain to headaches to damage to your teeth - and unfortunately, many people don't even realize that they're doing it.
And teeth clenching can be closely related to and even a part of bruxism. When the jaw is clenched, it often also creates tension in other areas like the temples, which can lead to headaches or migraines. Excessive clenching can also cause excessive wear on your teeth, and may create pain in your facial muscles as well.
Wearing Down Tooth Enamel
One of the most notable risks of teeth clenching is the wearing down of tooth enamel. This protective layer on your teeth helps prevent decay and sensitivity, so when it starts to wear away, you may notice an increase in cavities or painful sensations when eating or drinking certain foods.
A mouthguard can help alleviate this issue by providing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the amount of pressure and friction caused by clenching.
TMJ Risks
On the more severe end, excessive teeth clenching can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This joint connects the jawbone to the skull and allows for movements like chewing and talking. When this joint becomes strained or damaged due to clenching, it can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, ear, neck, and head.
Wearing a mouthguard during sports or any activity that may involve teeth clenching can help prevent strain on the TMJ and reduce the risk of developing TMJ disorder.
Sleep Disruption
As mentioned earlier, bruxism can occur during sleep as well. Teeth clenching throughout the night can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and other health issues. A mouthguard designed specifically for sleep can help reduce the impact of bruxism on your sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling more rested.
Teeth clenching may seem like a minor issue, but it can have significant effects on your oral health and overall well-being. Thankfully, a quality mouthguard can provide protection against these risks and improve your comfort during physical activity or sleep.
Make sure to check out part two of this series where we'll discuss how to choose the right mouthguard for teeth clenching prevention. In the meantime, be sure to contact us at Damage Control Mouthguards to learn more about our custom mouthguard options and how they can benefit you.
