Benefits of a Mouthguard for Anxiety-Induced Teeth Grinding Prevention

Bruxism, grinding or clenching of teeth is very common in people who suffer from depression and anxiety. However, is anxiety really the main culprit behind it? So far, no research or healthcare professionals have been able to prove that.

Moreover, the healthcare community is not even aware about what comes first. Anxiety and depression or grinding and clenching teeth. None of them really know why some people grind their teeth. Additionally, they don’t even know if bruxism or issues of the TMJ side effects of anxiety are.

One in three people grind their teeth or clench them during the day, time and one in ten every night but that is not ever questioned. When people do this, it puts 250 pounds of force on their teeth, which causes abrasion of the teeth and muscle and joint problems. When people grind their teeth at night, they are very aware about it. They also experience other symptoms. For example, head and neck ache, ear and jaw pain, teeth sensitivity, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). A dentist can examine the oral cavity and tell if the person grinds their teeth at night.

Doctors say that people who grind their teeth have some things in common—for example, nervousness, difficulty handling stress, anger issues, aggressiveness, and competitive nature. People who have sleep problems like sleep apnea and snoring also suffer from bruxism. 

Relationship Between Anxiety and Teeth Grinding

Experts say that nerves travel from the jaws to the part of the brain which controls fight and flight response. Furthermore, it kicks in during stress. Research has also revealed that bruxism starts after traumatic incidents. Preschoolers starting school are also susceptible to teeth grinding when they have trouble adjusting in school.

Bruxism and anxiety feed off each other. Therefore, to treat anxiety, patients can seek professional psych help. Moreover, to prevent bruxism, they can resort to using a mouthguard after seeking advice from their dentist. Mouth guards prevent abrasion, which happens because of teeth grinding.

What is a Mouth Guard?

A mouthguard is a dental device which covers your teeth. It protects your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks from trauma during teeth grinding or sports injuries.

A mouthguard covers the teeth to protect them and the gums. When the mmouthguardsare custom made, they fit better compared to over-the-counter mouthguards. Moreover, nightguards can help in easing bruxism. Both kids and adults should wear it when playing contact sports or when they’re biking.

Types of Mouthguards

Mouthguards come under two main categories: those made to protect the teeth from sports trauma and those for patients with bruxism or teeth-grinding habits. 

The appliances serve different purpose based on their type and look or feel different as well. 

The types of mouthguards include the following

Custom Fitted 

The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a custom mouthguard that fits the teeth comfortably. Although custom-fit mouthguards cost more, they fit better and provide better protection as well. Furthermore, a custom mouthguard is based on the requirements of the patient. Whether it is protection from trauma and protecting the teeth from bruxism caused by anxiety. A custom guard is among the highest quality mouthguards and protects the teeth best.

Boil and Bite 

Boil and bite mouth protectors are made using thermoplastic material and can also be shaped at home to fit the teeth. The mouthguard is softened by placing it in hot boiling water, then it is inserted into the mouth. Users use their fingers to press them into their teeth, both anterior and posterior. When the mouthguard feels rightly positioned, users are supposed to bite it down for 20 more seconds and then remove it. It needs to be run under cold water. Nevertheless, the steps can be followed again to reshape the mouthguard.

Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

• Adjustable mouthguards that include sliding pieces rest between your teeth during sleep.
• Stock are one size fits all, ready-to-wear mouthguards. However, their fitting is not that great because they aren’t specifically for teeth. Moreover, the bulkiness of the mouthguard and poor fit can lead to breathing difficulties. Hence, stock mouthguards aren’t a viable option and provide the least protection.

Key Benefits of Mouthguards

A mouthguard helps with the following that are linked with anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea.

• Protects the Teeth from Damage

People who suffer from anxiety are habitual of grinding their teeth at night, which leads to significant damage. It can cause abrasion, chipped teeth, and damage any fillings. A mouthguard prevents the teeth from all sorts of damage and provides comfort.

• Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Grinding and clenching the teeth drastically affects the muscles, which can also lead to breathing problems and snoring because the intake of air is decreased. Mouthguards decrease the small gaps between the jaws, increasing the intake of air. It makes it easier to breathe and ensure a comfortable sleep.

• TMJ Disorders

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint have a link with headaches, earaches, jaw pain, muscle fatigue, and neck pain. All of these are common symptoms of Bruxism. However surprising, using a mouthguard alleviates these concerns promptly.

• Improved Sleep

Sleep is drastically improved in people who wear a mouthguard when sleeping. A mouthguard helps in shaping and positioning your jaws appropriately, enabling your muscles to relax. It means that the stress is less, and anxiety is also much less. Moreover, mouthguards during sleep also protect the teeth better.

• Decreases Muscle and Joint Tension

Your dentist will shape andmoldd your mouthguard based on your needs. They will help ireducestress on your jaws and muscles, possibly because of anxiety-induced sleep apnea. 

Jaw pain has multiple consequences, including the inability to move your jaw freely or talk freely. Mouth guards are comfortable and light in weight, which means they will naturally help you sleep.

Conclusion

Getting a custom-fit mouthguard is a non-tedious process and requires only a few visits to the dentist. If you suffer from anxiety-induced bruxism or teeth grinding alone, a mouthguard will serve you well during your sleep.

FAQs

How to reduce teeth grinding due to anxiety?

Teeth grinding due to anxiety can be reduced by using a mouthguard. The custom-fit mouthguard is tailored-made by the dentist and provides comfort, and protection from teeth grinding and helps in improving sleep.

Is teeth grinding related to anxiety?

Yes, teeth grinding or bruxism is related to anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety sometimes grind their teeth during their sleep, which can lead to significant damage.

Is it good to wear a mouthguard while sleeping?

Yes, it is good to wear a mouthguard while sleeping. They provide protection from teeth grinding and help reduce muscle and joint tension, improve sleep, and reduce snoring.  They are comfortable and light in weight, which makes them a suitable option for all-night use.

Does a mouthguard relax jaw?

Yes, a mouthguard relaxes the jaw. It is shaped and molded based on your requirements by the dentist. The mouthguard helps reduce stress on the jaw and the muscles, which can be caused by sleep apnea due to anxiety.

How can we choose a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can be chosen based on the following.

• The degree of grinding depends on whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.
• According to customization. For example, mouthguards can be either semi-custom or one-size-fits-all.
• Usage: Whether the patient will be using it during the day or at night.
• Based on the prices and budget.

What are the causes of bruxism?

There is no definitive cause of bruxism but medical professionals say certain factors contribute to it. People who have sleep bruxism are reacting to a sensori stimuli, and those who grind their teeth while sleeping could be doing it because of stress, anger, and anxiety. Moreover, it is also common during intense concentration.

What is the treatment of bruxism?

If the bruxism is minimal, no treatment is required. However, treating it is a must when the grinding and clenching are severe, which also cause pain. A dental splint and mouthguard are used in most cases to prevent direct damage caused by bruxism.