Grinding

When we were little girls, my older sister and I had to share a bed on summer vacations.  I remember more than one vacation being awakened in the night with my sister threatening me through (ironically) clenched teeth.

"You're grinding your teeth," she hissed.  "Stop it!"

I had no idea I was doing it and no real way to stop.  I still grind my teeth and I'm not alone.  It is estimated that at least 25% of adults grind their teeth.  (Turns out my sister is every bit as bad a grinder as I am.)  And studies show that more children--perhaps because they're gaining and losing teeth--are teeth grinders than adults.

The big deal in all that, is that teeth grinding is, eventually, costly.  The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that people who grind their teeth often complain of waking with a headache, earache or toothache.  Their facial muscle are sore and the jaw joints tender.

Even though that's problematic, it's also just the beginning.  This article from the ADA points out that grinding can damage dental restoration, damage the jaw (think TMJ) and wear away the tooth enamel. 

As a grinder himself, Dr. Matthews recommends using a night guard and has tried out many.  Some 15-16 years ago, I got one specially made for me.  It was deliciously rubbery and once it was in my mouth--it was like giving a dog a bone.  I couldn't stop chewing on it.

It protected my teeth, which is good, but my jaw was getting such a work out that I couldn't stand it.  I gave up wearing it after only a few days.  But at my last dentist appointment, Dr. Matthews mentioned a new mouth guard he'd been asked to test.

Photo Courtesy: Amazon.com

It's made by Under Armor and is designed to improve athletic performance.  (Or at least give athletes something to protect their teeth while lifting weights or in other stressful circumstance where they might clench or grind.)  Dr. Matthews connected with the BYU Football team to test it out. 

Although actual performance improvement was negligible, Dr. Matthews was impressed with it as a mouth guard.  "It uses a hard surface between your teeth," he told me, "so that your teeth just slide around on it.  It doesn't give your jaw that really rubbery reward. It creates a disincentive to grind." 

And the best part?  The price.  It's only about $30 and you can buy it from Under Armor or Amazon.  (On Amazon, you can get free shipping.)   Lately, my jaw's be really tired and my teeth a little sore.  So, I'm placing my order and I'll let you know what I think.  I can tell you this much, I'm super excited to try it out.