What is the reason behind clenching or grinding our teeth during sleep?

Teeth clenching or grinding is a common phenomenon during sleep. It is a habit that we unconsciously have during our sleep, without us realizing it. But why is it happening? What are the benefits of mouth guards or spints in this case? Clenching our teeth in our sleep is a function where our body indicates that we are in a period of stress. It is only due to psychological factors and not due to any orthodontic issue or any other problem in the temporomandibular joint. You may often notice that it also happens during the day. This is happening due to the increased muscle function of the sensors. Unfortunately, it is a habit that does not depend on any external factor other than us!

What happens when we clench or grind our teeth?

Several times during sleep, our body unconsciously makes us grit our teeth. It is an almost daily habit, but we have no command over it, nor do we realize. It is not uncommon for this phenomenon to occur during the day. This action may possibly mean that our body is in tension.
Normally, teeth should come in contact only during eating. When we clench our teeth during sleep, this contact increases, resulting in damage to the tooth itself. Myalgia and pain are also common. The reason for these symptoms is the strain on the muscles and the temporomandibular joint caused from teeth clenching. There is no cure for this. However, the use of a mouth guard or splint can prevent tooth wear and tear and help protect teeth.

The function of the mouth guard/splint

The mouth guard/splint can be used in cases of tooth clenching or grinding. Its role is exclusively protective, to reduce the wear and tear of the teeth in this bad habit indicating stress. It is worth noting that the mouth guard or splint cannot prevent the teeth from clenching. It has a very important role, which is the only way to deal with this phenomenon. It protects the tooth to a great extent and contributes to a more effective orthodontic treatment if you have undergone one. There is no need to go for any unnecessary orthodontic intervention because of this habit. The pointless burden on the teeth is preventable in this way. Teeth clenching has no cure, it depends solely on us. All we can do is protect our teeth and have the least possible wear and tear.

The correct application of a mouth guard or splint for teeth clenching

Using a mouth guard or splint to protect your teeth does not necessarily mean that it will work properly. The way it is designed and the material it is made of are also very important. A simple guard or membrane can offer nothing to the teeth if they do not meet certain specifications. Thus, for the optimal protection of the teeth, it is necessary to have these designed to completely cover the teeth. Also, in cases where there is teeth clenching, the guard or splint needs to be made from rigid and hard material. Soft pliable membranes do not offer any protection to the teeth as they are not appropriate for this phenomenon. For this reason, the splint needs to be made from hard material able to raise occlusion, in order to achieve simultaneous contact. Taking all this into consideration, you will be able to prevent any kind of damage to the teeth, caused by this well-known habit of teeth clenching.