December 2017 | Sentinel Mouth Guards

Is Adderall Causing Me To Grind My Teeth at Night?

on December 30, 2017

How many people in the United States are on adderall?

A quick google search says A LOT. Over 16 million people were prescribed adderall in 2012 .

How many of these people find themselves grinding their teeth at night?

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, medically known as bruxism, can be caused by various factors including sleep disorders, occlusion, such neurological conditions as the Parkinson’s disease, lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking, stress, and the use of certain medications like amphetamines. If you’re taking adderall you should be aware of the side effects. In this post, you will find out why your teeth grinding and jaw clenching may be a result of using amphetamines like Adderall. You’ve come here to know “is Adderall causing me to grind my teeth at night?”.

Read on to also discover how you can remedy bruxism caused by amphetamines.

Amphetamines are stimulants clinically prescribed for the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Because the drugs stimulate the central nervous system, producing a performance-enhancing effect, they are frequently abused and misused. Also, legitimate long-term use of amphetamines like Adderall and Ritalin can turn to addiction. Some of the short-term effects of these drugs include feeling energized, being excited, quick reaction times, increased concentration and attentiveness, and feelings of euphoria.

The long-term side effects of amphetamines include:

•paranoia

•convulsions

•loss of coordination

•violent and obsessive behavior

•hallucinations, among others.

These effects, however, vary from person to person depending on such factors as the medical state of the user, the amphetamine dosage, and the user’s body composition.

Amphetamines and Bruxism

As noted earlier, Bruxism is one of the side effects of amphetamines like Adderall.

The effects of Adderall and other amphetamines on jaw clenching and teeth grinding were first discovered by Ashcroft et al. in the 1960s. The researchers found out that amphetamine addiction causes continuous teeth grinding and clenching. It was also realized that users rubbed their tongues along the inside of their lower lips. Liester et al. would later conduct research involving 20 psychiatrists who were previously on amphetamine prescriptions. Thirty percent of the subjects were found to have teeth grinding and jaw clenching as an adverse side effect of the medicine.

“Why do amphetamines cause teeth grinding and jaw clenching?”

Much research shows that amphetamines have a powerful distributive influence on an individual’s dopaminergic pathways.

This is especially the case if the user has been on the drugs for a long time. The dopaminergic system is the system which scientists believe is involved in the genesis of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Reports from a study conducted by Arrue et al. explain that continued use of amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs cause muscle tension. If the muscle tension happens in the head, it creates a reduction of an individual’s jaw-opening reflex, triggering jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Continued bruxism can lead to severe dental problems including tooth (or teeth) loss, gum problems, and teeth and jaw pains. It is important to note here that if you take increased doses of Adderall and other amphetamines, their effects on bruxism can become worse. Amphetamines can also cause cardiac related issues, insomnia, and gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea and constipation.

*A note about methamphetamines and the common term “meth mouth”

The Dangers of Methamphetamines

Contrary to popular belief, meth is not a new drug and the term “meth mouth” is not a new dental phenomenon. It’s not a weird concoction that some kids made up in the 80s. Meth and its bizarre effects have been around for quite sometime.

Methamphetamine was actually first created in Japan by a man named Nagayoshi Nagai in 1893 and made into a crystal form in 1919 by a man named Akira Ogata. (Reference: https://www.history.com/topics/crime/history-of-meth)

In WW2 meth was distributed to Japanese soldiers and German soldiers in tablet form. Of course, back then no one was aware of the many awful adverse effects including the high probability for full-on addiction.

Now we know that it can take just one time of use to become an addict.
This isn’t a scare tactic given by a helicopter mom. This is simply the cold hard truth about this highly dangerous and highly addictive drug. It does not mean that every person who does meth instantly becomes an addict. It means that there have been many cases in which a person who had never done the drug before engaged in use once and became addicted.

And the even scarier part? The more you use it and the longer you use it, the less chance you will have to be able to stop.

Signs of meth use and the resulting “meth mouth”

Excessive dry mouth which increases chances of cavities

Clenching, gnawing or grinding of the teeth. This action creates fracture lines in the teeth, shortened or flat teeth, chipped or broken teeth which in turn weakens the tooth. The weakened teeth become more susceptible to cavities, rotting, and even degradation of the bone and root system.

Craving sugary drinks that eats away at the enamel.

Hygienists and dentists can start to see the eroded enamel as it is a first line indicator of meth mouth.

Combating bruxism caused by Adderall and other amphetamines

1. Invest in a high quality mouth guard

Find a mouth guard made of high-quality material. The mouth guard should fit you properly and should be thick enough to separate your upper teeth from the lower ones. While you can get a good mouth guard from the shelves, it is recommended that you get one custom-made for you. This type can be made through a dentist or a more affordable alternative would be to purchase online. A quality mouth guard will also help you prevent other bruxism effects like having receded gums, headaches, and soreness in the mouth.

2. Lower dosage or try to wean yourself off

You don’t want to stop your ADHD medication and grinding your teeth and clenching your jaws is the last thing you want to keep doing. Try reducing the dosage and see if it can reduce your bruxism severity. Though it is a temporary remedy, this actually works for some people. If it doesn’t work for you, you can switch to another type of ADHD medication. However, it is always important to talk to your doctor for professional advice before switching drugs.

3. Get magnesium

Medical experts have linked magnesium deficiency to teeth grinding and clenching. So getting more magnesium in your diets can help you reduce the effects of bruxism. Foods rich in this mineral include spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, chard, avocado, figs, bananas, black beans, and yogurt.

You can also get supplements with magnesium glycinate which will help you reduce the long-term amphetamine tolerance, thus helping attenuate bruxism. Magnesium glycinate does not pose gastrointestinal side effects like other supplements that have magnesium oxide do.

5. Partake in calming practices

Getting a professional massage can help ease the muscle tension in your head. It will relax the muscles in your jaws which go a long way to help you reduce the effects of bruxism.

You can also learn how to exercise your jaws every night before you to bed. Various body-mind exercises such as deep breathing and meditation can boost your mindfulness to boost your self-awareness. While you may not notice it, these exercises can help you stop jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

mindful practices to stop teeth grinding

Is Adderall causing me to grind my teeth at night? Possibly. Maybe even probably.

It is worth mentioning that if you are already experiencing severe bruxism, besides using the remedies discussed above, it is extremely important that you seek professional help from your dentist. Severe bruxism poses very serious dental problems that you should not underestimate. Again, if you are using ADHD medications, use them only for the intended purpose and avoid recreational use.

We hope this post has been a helpful resource for you and remember to wear your night guard!

sentinel athletic mouth guard for weight lifting

What is the Best Mouthguard for Hockey?

on December 22, 2017

What is the Best Mouth Guard for Hockey?

Finding The Best Athletic Mouth Guard For Hockey

You probably already know that every hockey player, (whether professional or not) is required to wear a protective mouth guard when playing. Hockey involves a lot of force and energy. Many times, falls and collisions (not to mention a hockey puck or stick to the mouth) can cause injuries to the mouth. Again, if your mouth gets hit by a hockey stick or puck or a fist and you are not wearing a mouth guard, you may have severe problems such as losing your teeth, suffering a broken jaw or even worse suffering a concussion. Because of these risks, having a quality mouth guard and using it whenever you are playing hockey is very important. You should get yourself the right mouth guard that fits well in your mouth, is comfortable to wear & offers the protection you need. Read on to find out how to find the best hockey mouth guard and why you should consider having one custom-made for you. So, what is the best mouth guard for hockey? Hockey players will often times cut the back molars out of their guards to make them more comfortable. A player should not have to go that route if the guard is made to be as comfortable as possible. A mouth guard can be trimmed and polished in such a way that it fits like a glove onto the teeth while still offering the protection that one needs.

 


What is the best mouth guard for hockey?

If you are looking to purchase a protective mouth guard for hockey, choose one that fits properly in your mouth.

You don’t want to buy a mouthpiece that will fall off/out. A correctly fitting mouth guard is also comfortable; it is not obtrusive, and it allows you to communicate with your teammates easily.

The best hockey mouth guard should be thick enough to adequately absorb the impact from say, a fall or hit by a hockey stick. The impact may come with a lot of force, and only a mouth guard thick enough can perfectly protect your teeth and jaws. Besides, a thick mouth guard made from quality material will keep your top and bottom teeth properly separated when you clench or grind your teeth.

How thick should your hockey mouthguard be? At least 3 mm thick.

Taking proper care of your mouth guard is also extremely important. A mouth guard that tastes badly can be very distracting not to mention the germs that can accrue. Ever heard of mouth thrush? Keep your guard clean. Clean it almost as often as you brush your teeth. You don’t need a “flavored” mouth guard for goodness sake. You need a toothbrush and a mild organic soap. Clean nightly. Rinse thoroughly. Dry it after cleaning and store in its original case. It’s a good idea to do a deep cleanse every two weeks with a night guard or denture cleaner. The longevity of your custom mouth guard depends on how well you take care of it.

Durable material

While playing, most players do a lot of clenching and grinding (which may be involuntary). This, coupled with the saliva in your mouth accelerates wear and tear of mouth guards. The best mouth guard for hockey should, therefore, be water-resistant, made from high-quality material to ensure long-term reliability.

While you can find a good boil and bite type of mouth guard from the shelves, it is important to note the fact that custom-made mouth guards are far superior to standard one-size-fits-all mouth guards. Sentinel Mouth Guards are made using quality thermoplastic material. Here are some of the reasons you should consider getting a custom fit mouth guard;

A custom fit mouth guard is not only professionally made to fit only you, but it is also designed for your particular type of sport (hockey in this case). The lab will adjust your mouth guard depending on various factors including the size of your mouth and the level of your sport. A full contact sport such as hockey would require 3mm thick mouth guard.

Because custom-fit mouth guards are made very precisely, they fit perfectly in your mouth giving you maximum comfort and safety. Most boil and bite mouth guards don’t often provide this. A custom fit mouth guard will stay snug against your gums and teeth, so it doesn’t fall off easily.

The thermoplastic material used in making custom-fit mouth guards provides unrivaled protection. The material is specially designed to absorb impact forces effectively.

Custom-fit mouth guards are also unobtrusive, and unlike many boil and bite types, they allow users to talk without flipping around in the mouth. Since they stay in place when worn, they do not restrict air flow meaning you will be able to breathe just as you would without a mouth guard.

Custom-fit mouth guards are also known to last longer than the boil and bite types. This is because only high-quality material is used in making them. Their durability is also enhanced by their snug shape which makes them stay in place when worn. Additionally, the Sentinel Mouth Guard comes with a 1 year warranty. If it wears down or warps during that time frame, we will replace at no cost to you.

The best hockey mouth guard on the market today

1. Sentinel Athletic Mouth Guard

Can we toot our own horn here? Why not? We offer the exact same custom mouth guard sold in dental offices for a fraction of the price. Same machinery, methods and materials. You take your dental impression in the convenience of your own home. Custom mouth guards are by far the best protective device for your teeth. This mouthpiece comes with a soft clear inside lining that allows the teeth to sink in perfectly. It has an exoskeletal shock frame that offers optimum protection. The fitting is made from your unique dental anatomy. This is by far the top tier in mouth protection. Dentist grade quality direct from the Sentinel lab. Multiple colors available. BPA, Silicon & Latex free. On sale for a limited time

$98.50

taking dental impression — Mixing putty (base & catalyst) | Different sized dental impression trays |

There are various brands and types of hockey mouth guards on the shelves today promising this and that but, those above are among the finest picks that are sure to offer you the best services. The next time you go shopping for a hockey mouth gear, remember to check them out. Remember always to use the guidelines given above when shopping for a hockey mouth guard. That way, odds are you will get the best mouth guard

Key points to remember

You don’t need to cut your mouthguard to make it comfortable. The Sentinel Mouthguard is custom made for you and will fit snug onto your teeth. You can breath with it in. You can communicate and drink water. All of the bulkiness that is typically found in mass produced guards is not needed. Most of the lab technicians at Sentinel Mouthguard Co. have played sports themselves and have a thorough understanding of what makes a mouthguard comfortable and what makes it intolerable.

Taking your dental impression is easy. The putty you will receive is a lot like play-doh. Once the putty is mixed together, submerge all the whites of your teeth. After 3 minutes, it will harden to a rubber-like consistency. For a well fitted sports Mouthguard, you will need to make sure you submerge all the whites of your teeth and up into your gum-line.

The average person buys 3-5 store bought Mouthguards per year at an average cost of $20 for each purchase. This equates to $60-$100 per year on Mouthguards. The most common reason a new mouthguard is purchased is because it has been bitten through. The Sentinel Mouthguard is made with a high quality dentist-grade material and is made to withstand biting and chewing.

Should I Wear a Mouth Guard for Weight Lifting?

on December 18, 2017

The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard for Weight Lifting

While not so many strength athletes (especially weight lifters) like using mouth guards when training or competing, it turns out these mouthpieces are very valuable for any weightlifter. Although many people think mouth guards are only important in sports that involve a lot of contact involvement such as wrestling, American football, boxing, and martial arts, dental experts think otherwise. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of mouth guards for 29 sports which include the ones already mentioned above, plus weightlifting, handball, basketball, acrobatics, among others.

Data from research by the National Youth Sports Foundation shows that strength athletes are sixty times more likely to suffer a tooth (or teeth) damage when they are not wearing protective mouth guards. Weightlifting being among the strength sports, the importance of wearing a protective mouth guard when training or competing cannot be underestimated. Read on to find out more about the benefits of using a mouth guard as a weightlifter and where you can easily shop for one online.

Why exactly would one use a mouth guard for weight lifting?

A recent study by the Bloorview Macmillan Children’s Center shows that the most frequent orofacial injuries athletes incur during sports activities are dental injuries. Besides teeth injuries which may cause loss of teeth, blows on the chin or any strong impact on the base of the jaws or skull may cause a serious fracture or a concussion. Experts advise that athletes can significantly prevent these types of injuries by using protective mouth guards.

Dr. Ann Sagalyn, a dentist and Vice President of Avon Village Family Dentistry says that a lot of weightlifters suffer dental injuries because of the teeth-grinding and gritting they do when lifting. When they don’t wear protective mouthpieces, she says the grinding and gritting can result in injuries in the enamel, pulp, the cementum, or any part of the teeth. The dentist explains that when a substance as strong and hard as a tooth grinds against a substance with similar hardness and strength, chances are, there will be some damage. The clenching that occurs when weightlifters are in action results in a tooth-to-tooth action that may cause holes, cracks or even worse damage to the teeth or the jaws.

Dr. Vastardis, a New York-based dentist and member of the International Academy for Sports Dentistry adds that if a weightlifter does not wear a protective mouth guard, the clenching and grinding may make teeth gums to recede, cause teeth fractures, result in weakened facial muscles, and even cause headaches after training or competing. The pressure from the clenching can also wear down the enamel, crack them and cause holes in the teeth which may be painful. Again, with time, the small holes may turn into full-blown cavities that may lead to teeth loss.

A concussion is the most serious and possibly fatal orofacial injury an athlete can suffer.

While concussions are more likely to happen in contact sports, strength athletes like weightlifters are also at risk of falls that may result in concussions. Without a protective mouth guard, the trauma resulting from the jaws jarring together violently may cause an impact on the base of the skull leading to a concussion. While mild concussions may have less severe effects like headaches, loss of consciousness or memory which may last from a few minutes to a few weeks, more serious concussions can result in severe problems. These dangerous, long-lasting and potentially career-ending problems include having trouble with movement, speaking, or reading.

As a weightlifter, you can prevent all the above risks by using a mouth guard whenever you are training or competing. You can find simple over-the-counter mouth guards for a few dollars. Better still, you can have one custom-made for you online.

The benefits of using a mouth guard while weight lifting

So having looked at the reasons you would use a preventative mouth guard for weight lifting, perhaps you now have an idea of the benefits they present to users. For a better understanding, here are the benefits in detail;

• Mouth guards act as buffers between the cheeks, the teeth, and the soft lip and tongue tissues. This way they prevent your tissues against bruising and laceration as a result of clenching and grinding during an action.

• A preventative mouthpiece protects your opposing teeth, dental braces, or fixed anterior bridgework from seismic contact. This helps you to avoid fractures, dislocations, root damage and possible tooth loss.

• When using a mouth guard, your mandible is given an elastic and recuperative support that prevents fractures and any other damages to the jaws, especially the lower jaws.

• Preventative mouth guards help reduce the risk of suffering a concussion. They act as shock absorbers between the lower and the upper jaws. Without mouth guard, in case of an accident while in action, like a collision or a fall, your jaws may violently jar together. This may result in a distribution of the impact from the mandible to the base of your skull, causing a concussion.

• The reinforcement a mouth guard offers can also help to prevent possible neck injuries.

• Mouth guards also offer psychological benefits to athletes. Much research shows that athletes feel more confident and they are more aggressive when they have worn a protective mouth guard. For instance, in a recent study by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning (which you can find here https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2011/10000/The_Effects_of_Mouthpiece_Use_on_Cortisol_Levels.28.aspx) researchers found that athletes that wore a protective mouthpiece had a better control of their cortisol levels than those who had no protective mouthpieces on. Cortisol is a vital steroid home that helps in dealing with stress.

One can write an entire book on the importance of using mouth guards in any sporting activity. But as a weightlifter, the risks of not using one and the benefits of using one that have been discussed here should hopefully be enough to show you how vital (and at times) career-saving a mouth guard can be.

Where can you find one online?

While there are many online stores selling mouth guards, check out sentinelmouthguards.com for quality mouth guards at affordable prices. Free shipping on all orders across the U.S.

Month: December 2017