Can I Get a Soft Nightguard?

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Reviewed by  Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Who Needs a Nightguard?

If you suffer from bruxism or TMJ disorder, your doctor or dentist will likely suggest you wear a custom-fit nightguard. Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth. This can happen during the day or night. During the day, you can train yourself to stop the action, but at night, you need a little bit of help. That’s what the CustMbite Nightguard is for. TMJ disorder can be caused by bruxism, arthritis, trauma to the jaw, or it can have unknown causes. A nightguard can help fight against the pain caused by bruxism or TMJ disorder.

If you’re not sure whether you have bruxism or TMJ disorder, there are symptoms that can indicate whether or not you do. For bruxism, there are quite a few symptoms that are indicators, including the following:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching that gets so loud it wakes you or your sleep partner up
  • Fractured, loose, chipped, or flattened teeth
  • Increased tooth sensitivity or pain with no obvious cause
  • Tooth enamel that’s worn down so far it exposes deeper layers of the tooth
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles
  • Pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face
  • Pain that feels like an earache, but doesn’t come from any problem with the actual ear canal
  • A dull headache that starts in the area of your temples
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

TMJ disorder has some signs in common with bruxism and some of its own unique symptoms, both as follows:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw
  • Pain in either one or both of your temporomandibular joints (the joint that connects your lower jaw with your skull)
  • An aching pain in or around your ear
  • Either difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Locking of the jaw that forces you to pop it open or closed and which is painful
  • A clicking or grating sensation when talking, chewing, yawning, or otherwise using your jaw muscles

Risk Factors for Developing Bruxism and TMJ Disorder

While the causes of bruxism are unclear and often the causes of TMJ disorder are unknown, there are certain risk factors that put you at a greater likelihood of developing these conditions. You are at a higher risk for developing bruxism if:

  • You have increased levels of anxiety or stress or you are prone to anger or tension.
  • You are a child or adolescent, as bruxism is more common among younger people.
  • You have a personality that could be described as aggressive, hyperactive, or highly competitive.
  • You take certain psychiatric medications like antidepressants.
  • You use tobacco, drink alcohol, use recreational drugs, or drink caffeine.
  • You have family members with bruxism, as it often runs in families.
  • If you have mental health or medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (commonly known as GERD), dementia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), night terrors, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

A little bit more is known about the causes of TMJ disorder, and the following risk factors demonstrate that. You are at higher risk of developing TMJ disorder if:

  • You have chronic bruxism, or grinding and clenching of your teeth.
  • You have different types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • You experience an injury to your jaw.
  • You have a connective tissue disease that could affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

How can a soft nightguard help me if I have bruxism or TMJ disorder?

There is no cure for bruxism, and short of surgery, which is not indicated unless you have a very severe case, there is no cure for TMJ disorder. However, a quality nightguard will prevent your teeth from clenching or grinding while you’re sleeping. 

A quality nightguard is strong enough to stop your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep. You should be able to custom-fit the nightguard to your teeth quickly and easily. It should be strong enough to hold up to your attempts to grind or clench your teeth night after night. If you can chew through the guard in a couple of nights, it’s not a very good value for your dollar. 

You also want a soft nightguard, meaning one that’s flexible and comfortable to wear. The CustMbite Nightguard is made of our patented VistaMaxx material, which is soft and flexible while being strong enough to withstand teeth clenching and grinding every night for months at a time. The material was developed with the help of dental professionals for your superior protection and comfort. It’s also easy to care for because it doesn’t absorb saliva, water, or bacteria.

Where can I get a CustMbite Nightguard?

The CustMbite Nightguard has been evaluated and cleared by the FDA, so you can rely on it being a top-quality nightguard. It comes in regular and petite sizes and in your choice of five colors. Order your soft nightguard online today and see what a difference CustMbite can make!

Your comfort is our highest priority.

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Reviewed by:

Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Monroe Elkin got a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy at Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York. He then earned a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Rutgers School of Dentistry in Newark New Jersey. Dr. Elkin owned and operated his own dental practices for 29 years where he specialized in treating oral injuries for athletes, fabricated custom fitted mouth guards and performed both general and trauma dentistry for athletes at Wagner College as dentist for the athletic department. He also performed cosmetic dentistry including implants, crown and bridges, bonding and endodontics. Dr. Elkin has been a part of 3 publications and has held various positions volunteering for organizations that are about sports dentistry and oral care.

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