Occlusal Guards: HSA Eligibility

What are occlusal guards?

Occlusal guards are more commonly referred to as night guards and they protect the teeth against grinding which occurs during sleep, also known as bruxism. Occlusal guards are eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.

What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is the involuntary grinding or clenching of one's jaw during the daytime hours, or in the midst of the sleep cycle (sleep bruxism). In most cases, bruxism is a minor issue that may not require treatment, but in more advanced cases, bruxism can lead to extensive jaw damage/disorders, recurring headaches, tooth damage and other side effects. Physicians are still unsettled as to a direct cause for teeth grinding, but possible physical and physiological causes may include sleep apnea, anxiety/stress, a side effect to some antidepressants, stomach acid reflux and more. In most cases, doctors will develop a treatment plan based on an individual's symptoms to curb this behavior (WebMD).

What are occlusal guards?

In most cases, treatment for bruxism is only necessary if the problem is extremely severe, and contingent on whether the behavior occurs during the day or night. In the vast majority of night bruxism cases, occlusal guards are an effective means of protecting the teeth and jaw by providing a soft layer to cushion and absorb night grinding, but small enough to fit comfortably during sleep. In some cases, corrective dental surgery may be necessary.

In addition to occlusal guards, other potential treatments for bruxism include therapies like stress management, behavioral modification therapy and biofeedback (retraining muscle activity). Last but not least, some medications have been found to be effective in limiting teeth grinding, such as muscle relaxants and Botox injections. Ultimately, most treatments for teeth grinding involve close coordination with one's doctor and trial and error to pinpoint the underlying source of the issue to develop an effective treatment plan (Pro Teeth Guard).