Benefits - Effectively eliminates undesirable jaw pressure during sleep bruxism. - bth4

Conventional mouth guards are designed to prevent teeth wear due to bruxism

bth4 was designed to eliminate the habit

Benefits:

Effectively eliminates undesirable jaw pressure during sleep bruxism. Bruxism and clenching symptoms cease!
Provides the benefits of conventional splints/mouth guards with the addition of the biofeedback.
Provides users with the necessary skills to eradicate bruxism and the habit of clenching.
Using bth4 while sleeping instructs the subconscious, which can reduce awake bruxism.
Compact design (like other passive splints/mouth guards) increases ease of use.
Simple and easy to use, no need for complex electronics, batteries, wires, or sensors.
Encourages more desirable jaw behavior avoiding occlusion (the jaw rest in a more natural and correct position).
A drastic reduction in doctor's fitting time compared to custom made prescribed mouth guards.
Due to bth4 design the risk of incorrect bite alignment caused by the mouth guard is reduced. No need for multiple refittings as is common with conventional prescribed mouth guards.
Protects dentures and prevents bite alterations and variations.

What is Bruxism:

Bruxism is a habit rather than a reflex chewing activity. Reflex activities happen reliably in response to a stimulus, without involvement of subconscious brain activity. Chewing and clenching are complex neuromuscular activities that can be controlled either by subconscious processes or by conscious processes within the brain. During sleep, (and for some during waking hours while conscious attention is distracted) subconscious processes can run unchecked, allowing bruxism to occur. Some bruxism activity is rhythmic with bite force pulses of tenths of a second (like chewing), and some has a longer bite force pulses of 1 to 30 seconds (clenching). Researchers classify bruxism as "a habitual behavior, and a sleep disorder."

Miley Cyrus Pranks Jimmy Kimmel. Miley sneaks into Jimmy's house in the middle of the night, jumps on his bed and wakes him up. Jimmy is seen in the picture wearing his dental mouth guard.

What causes Bruxism:

The etiology of problematic bruxism can be quite varied, from allergic reactions, medical ailments, trauma (such as a car crash) or even a period of unusual stress, but once bruxism becomes a habit, the original stimulus can be removed without ending the habit. Certain medical conditions can trigger bruxism, including digestive ailments and anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and hyperactivity.

Who Suffers from bruxism?

Anyone can suffer from bruxism though most people are not aware they are suffering. Only an estimated 5% go on to develop symptoms, such as jaw pain and headaches, which prompt treatment. A sleeping partner or parent may notice the behavior first, although sufferers may notice pain symptoms without understanding the cause.

What are the consequences of bruxism?

Salma Hayek and her famous bruxism smile

Bruxism can result in occlusal trauma, the abnormal wear patterns of the occlusal surface, abfractions and fractures in the teeth. Over time, dental damage increases. Bruxism is the leading cause of occlusal trauma and a significant cause of tooth loss and gum recession. Bruxism can be loud enough to wake a sleeping partner.

In a typical case involving lateral motion, the canines and incisors of the opposing arches are moved against each other laterally, i.e., with a side-to-side action, by the medial pterygoid muscles that lie medial to the temporomandibular joints bilaterally. This movement abrades tooth structure and can lead to the wearing down of the incisal edges of the teeth. People with bruxism may also grind their posterior teeth, which will wear down the cusps of the occlusal surface. Most (but not all) bruxism includes clenching force provided by masseter and temporalis muscle groups, but some bruxers clench and grind front teeth only, which involves neither masseter nor temporalis muscle groups. Teeth hollowed by previous decay (caries), or dental drilling, may collapse from bruxism's cyclic pressures.

What are the signs of bruxism?

Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:

Tooth loss and gum recession.
Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner.
Teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured, or chipped.
Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth.
Jaw pain or tightness in your jaw muscles.
Enlarged jaw muscles.
Earache due to severe jaw muscle contractions (not a problem with the ear).
Chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek.
Headache.
Indentations on your tongue.
Chronic facial pain.
Increased tooth sensitivity.