Bruxism FAQ

What is bruxism?

Night grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth. Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders, with an average 20% of the American adult population suffering from the condition. Most people have a mild form of night grinding at some point in their lives.

If left untreated, bruxism can lead to:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Dental damage (wearing of the bite surfaces of the teeth)
• Jaw disorders (pain and limited movement)
• Significant joint pain or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

What causes bruxism?

Night grinding is often a result of stress and anxiety. Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth is also a common cause of Bruxism. It is important to break or manage the habit of grinding as soon as possible it to prevent long-term damage to your teeth.

How do I know if I have bruxism?

Most people who grind their teeth are not aware of it. Often a loved one makes them aware, having observing or heard the grinding during sleep. Dentists look for signs of grinding by detecting tooth wear and receding gum lines. Physicians often diagnose teeth grinding as a cause of headaches.

Common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Jaw or dental pain
• Dental damage
• Tooth fractures
• Gum recession
• Insomnia

How do you protect your teeth from night grinding?

Regular dental check-ups are important to detect damage from night grinding in its earliest stages. Your dentist may suggest a night guard. It is the easiest way to break the habit of grinding and protect teeth from damage. There are several options for night guards to choose from. Many are over the counter brands found online, or at your local chemist. Your dentist can also make a custom guard, which can be very expensive and is not always covered by dental insurance. Here is how SOVA helps bruxism.

Your night guard should be:

• Comfortable
• Strong
• Durable

Made from a FDA approved thermoplastic polymer, the SOVA™ Night Guard is affordable, ultra thin, strong and easy to custom fit at home. Go on and, get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed with the SOVA™ Night Guard’s science of a better day. Learn more about Diffusix™ technology.