Protect Your Teeth with a Bite Splint

Quick Summary

Bite splints are protective oral devices that help shield teeth from wear and tear caused by clenching and grinding
Bite splints act as a protective barrier to prevent teeth from rubbing directly against each other and wearing down enamel
Use warm water and mild soap to clean your bite splint daily and maintain a good oral hygiene routine
Avoid eating or drinking anything but water while wearing a bite splint
Adjusting to sleeping with a bite splint can take up to two weeks

What Is a Bite Splint?

A bite splint is a custom made dental appliance. Also known as an occlusal splint, these devices fit over the teeth to form a protective shield. If you grind or clench your teeth, the bite splint helps reduce force and protect the enamel from friction.

Bite splints are typically worn at night but may be required to wear constantly, depending on the condition.

What Do Bite Splints Do?

Now that I’ve covered, “What is a bite splint?”, I’ll answer, “What do bite splints do?”.

Simply put, bite splints act as a protective barrier to prevent teeth from grinding together. The bite splint also reduces force and protects the enamel underneath. Custom bite splints also help relax the jaw joint into a more comfortable position. By positioning the jaw properly, a bite splint helps decrease strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

What Are Bite Splints Used For?

Bite splints are used for a wide range of dental applications and conditions, from bruxism to gum disease.

Bite splints can be used to address:

Temporomandibular disk (TMD) disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Teeth clenching
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Gum disease (bite splints can reinforce teeth in patients with gum disease
Post-orthodontic retention to keep teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, such as
To hold in temporary tooth replacements

What Are the Benefits of Bite Splints?

Possible benefits of bite splints include:

- Reduced bite force on natural teeth
- Can be used for a wide range of applications and conditions
- Reduced bite force on dental restorations, such as dental implants, veneers, or crowns
- Protection against wear and breakage
- Allow the jaw muscles to rest
- Reduced jaw pain and discomfort
- Provide diagnostic information relating to joint issues
- Prevent teeth from shifting out of place
- Enhanced comfort
- Improve airway space
- Reduced headaches
- Reduced facial muscle tension

Helps prevent teeth from getting worn down and flattened, which can lead to dentin exposure and tooth sensitivity teeth
May improve symptoms of sleep apnea

How to Clean Bite Splint

Bite splints are easy to clean and maintain. I recommend a quick daily cleaning routine along with regular soaks for deep cleaning. Keeping your splint clean will help it last as long as possible and decrease bacteria build-up.

Steps on how to clean bite splint include:

Rinse your bite splint with warm water at least once a day
Gently brush your bite splint using a soft-bristled toothbrush and circular motions
Use a non-abrasive soap or denture cleaner (ask your dentist for recommendations) instead of toothpaste, which can be abrasive
Completely rinse the bite splint with warm water to make sure any soap residue is removed
Store in a protective case when not in use

Here are the steps to deep clean a bite splint (I recommend deep cleaning once a week):

Soak the bite splint in an over-the-counter denture cleaner according to the instructions
Rinse the bite splint thoroughly
Allow to completely dry

Tips for caring for your custom bite splint:

Avoid using hot water on your bite splint as it may cause warping
Avoid toothpaste as it can be harsh and scratch the splint
Store bite splints in a secure place when not in your mouth
Never let pets get a hold of your bite splint – I’ve seen many bite splints destroyed due to an overeager pet mistaking it as a chew toy
Make sure your bite splint is completely dry before storing it (putting it away slightly damp promotes bacterial growth)

Clear bite splint to help reduce teeth grinding

Can I Eat with a Bite Splint?

My patients are always curious if they can eat with a bite splint. Splints are removable appliances and you will have clear instructions from your dentist on when and how long you need to wear your bite splint.

Eating with a bite splint will depend on your condition and how long you are required to wear it. In most cases, custom bite splints are only worn at night, making it easy to eat normally during the day.

While certain conditions may require you to wear a bite splint 24/7, bite splints are generally taken out to eat. The general rule is to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water when wearing a bite splint.

Always make sure your teeth are clean before putting in a bite splint. Plaque or food debris trapped under the appliance can quickly grow bacteria and promote decay.

How to Sleep with Bite Splint

Adjusting to sleeping with a bite splint is another big concern my patients bring up. It may seem difficult at first but most of my patients report adjusting to sleeping with a bite splint within the first few nights.

Here are some tips on how to sleep with a bite splint:

Put your bite splint in 30 minutes before going to sleep to help your mouth adjust
Plan to experience increased saliva production during the first one to two weeks of sleeping with a bite splint
Expect possible dryness in your mouth upon waking up (this should go away in the first couple of weeks as your body adjusts)

Protect Your Teeth with a Chelsmford Dental Custom Bite Splint

Bite splints are a common, effective dental appliance that can effectively manage a variety of conditions.

At Chelmsford Dental, we offer full and partial arch, non-permissive, and permissive bite splints to treat a wide range of conditions.

Upon your consultation, we can create a custom bite splint in our on-site laboratory, usually within a week. Book a Bite Splint Perth appointment today to find out if you are a good candidate for a custom bite splint.

Dr. James Roberts has developed a particular interest in enhancing smiles through procedures like veneers, bridgework, crowns, and Invisalign, along with other forms of invisible orthodontics.