What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard, also known as an occlusal splint or bite guard, is a dental appliance designed to be worn while you sleep. It is typically made of a durable plastic material and is custom-fitted to your mouth by a dentist. Night guards serve several purposes, primarily focused on protecting your teeth and oral health. Here's what a night guard does:
1. Protects Teeth: The main purpose of a night guard is to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching. People who grind or clench their teeth during sleep can exert considerable force on their dental structures, which can lead to worn-down enamel, cracked teeth, and other dental problems. The night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from coming into direct contact and reducing the risk of damage.
2. Relieves Jaw Pain: Night guards can help alleviate jaw pain and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or jaw muscle tension. They can help relax the jaw muscles and promote proper jaw alignment.
3. Prevents Headaches: For individuals who experience tension headaches or migraines related to teeth grinding, a night guard can be beneficial. By reducing the stress and pressure on the jaw and facial muscles, it can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
4. Reduces Tooth Sensitivity: Grinding can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Night guards can help preserve enamel and reduce sensitivity.
5. Improves Sleep Quality: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can disrupt your sleep and the sleep of your partner due to the noise it creates. Wearing a night guard can improve sleep quality for both you and your partner by minimizing the grinding noise.
6. Protects Dental Restorations: If you have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers, a night guard can protect them from excessive wear and damage caused by grinding or clenching.
Night guards come in different types, including soft, hard, and hybrid (combination of soft and hard materials). The choice of night guard type depends on your specific dental needs and the recommendation of your dentist.
It's essential to consult with a dentist if you suspect you may have bruxism or related dental issues. They can evaluate your oral health, recommend the most appropriate type of night guard, and ensure it is custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Why do I need night guard?
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching): One of the most common reasons for needing a night guard is bruxism. Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. This habit can lead to significant dental problems, including worn-down teeth, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. A night guard provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other and reducing the risk of damage.
2. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): If you have TMD, you may experience jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when you open or close your mouth, and difficulty chewing. A night guard can help alleviate some of these symptoms by reducing pressure on the jaw joint and promoting proper jaw alignment.
3. Protecting Dental Work: If you have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers, a night guard can protect these investments by preventing wear and damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching.
4. Preventing Tooth Sensitivity: Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. A night guard can help preserve the enamel and reduce sensitivity.
5. Headache and Facial Pain Relief: Bruxism can lead to tension headaches and facial pain. By preventing teeth grinding, a night guard can alleviate these symptoms.
6. Sleep Quality Improvement: Bruxism can disrupt your sleep and that of your partner due to the grinding noise. Wearing a night guard can improve sleep quality for both you and your partner.
7. Reducing Snoring: In some cases, a night guard can help reduce snoring by repositioning the jaw and tongue, opening up the airway.
If you suspect you may have bruxism or other dental issues that could benefit from a night guard, it's essential to consult with a dentist. They can evaluate your oral health, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include a custom-fitted night guard to address your specific needs. A custom-made night guard is typically more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options.
How do you clean a night guard?
Cleaning your night guard regularly is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and extend the lifespan of the appliance. Here are steps on how to clean a night guard effectively:
Rinse Immediately: After removing your night guard in the morning, rinse it thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. This will help remove saliva and oral debris.
Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste to gently brush the night guard. Be careful not to use toothpaste with abrasive ingredients, as they can scratch the night guard's surface.
Soak in a Denture or Retainer Cleaner: To disinfect and remove odor-causing bacteria, consider soaking your night guard in a denture cleaner or retainer cleaning solution. Follow the product's instructions for dilution and soaking time. Avoid using hot water, as it can deform the night guard.
Use Baking Soda: You can also create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Gently brush the night guard with this paste using a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Vinegar Solution: Soaking your night guard in a vinegar solution (1-part white vinegar to 3-parts water) for 15-30 minutes can help disinfect it. Rinse thoroughly with cool water afterward to remove any vinegar residue.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or alcohol-based solutions to clean your night guard, as these can damage the material and affect its fit.
Dry Completely: After cleaning, allow your night guard to air dry completely before storing it. Moisture can encourage bacterial growth, so ensuring it's dry is essential.
Store Properly: Store your night guard in its provided case or a clean, ventilated container. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, extreme heat, or leaving it in a closed container without proper ventilation.
Regular Maintenance: Follow your dentist's recommendations for routine maintenance and replacement of your night guard. Over time, night guards can wear down and may need to be replaced to maintain their effectiveness.
It's important to clean your night guard daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odor. Neglecting to clean your night guard properly can lead to oral hygiene issues and decrease the lifespan of the appliance. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness or condition of your night guard, consult your dentist for guidance.
HOW WE MAKE MOUTH GUARDS FOR TEETH GRINDING
The first step in getting a mouth guard for sleeping is to schedule a consultation at our office. We will evaluate your teeth and ask you about various symptoms to help determine whether you would be a good candidate for a bruxism night guard. If you are, we take simple scans of your teeth, which are used to fabricate the night guard for a perfect, customized fit. Once the mouth guard is ready, you come back into the office and we check to ensure it fits as designed, and then you just wear it while you sleep to protect your teeth.
If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night call Lux dental at 604.670.1256 to schedule a consultation and evaluation today!
Posted by Dr. Gloria Jung, DDS, BSc
Comments