An ill-fitting night guard can actually adverse effects on your oral health by causing a change in your bite that will cause pain in your jaw. We always advise if you’re considering purchasing one to come see us and discuss it first!
Can night guards ruin your teeth?
Often, deep grooves will eventually form in the night guard from the force of the grinding. The night guard prevents this same force from causing damage to the teeth. Without a night guard, enamel can be worn down excessively, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Can a night guard shift your jaw?
A night guard can shift your teeth, most especially if it was not custom-made to make a perfect fit in your mouth. … This is why having a custom made night guard is better because it protects not only the teeth but also the jaw, thus lesser possibility of teeth shifting.
Can a night guard make things worse?
Night guards are a commonly prescribed solution for nighttime bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding). Unfortunately, many people that use night guards are dismayed to experience new or worsening pain in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after wearing the appliances.
How do I know if my night guard fits properly?
If you are biting or clenching your teeth to keep your mouthguard in place while wearing it, your mouth guard does not fit. As stated before, your mouthguard should always stay securely and tightly on your upper teeth without falling or shifting.
Should you wear night guard on upper or lower teeth?
Upper guards are typically recommended because they don’t remove easily compared to lower teeth nightguard. Dentists favor lower guards because they are often more comfortable and easier to get used to. The ideal night guard should protect all your teeth while not affecting your natural bite.
Can night guards cause gum recession?
Night guard – Grinding your teeth at night is called bruxism, resulting in constant and intense pressure on your teeth and may stress your gums as well and worsen your recession.
Should you wear a night guard every night?
Night guards are worn to protect your oral health from the destructive impacts of bruxism, so it’s essential you wear your night guard as long as teeth grinding and jaw clenching continue. … For others, a night guard might be a lifelong companion and they have to to wear a night guard forever.
How can I relax my jaw when I sleep?
If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax. Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.
Can a night guard make TMJ worse?
While most night guards can prevent enamel wear by avoiding direct teeth contact, it does not prevent grinding and clenching. In some cases, night guards actually increase the activity of the muscles that clench and this makes TMJ pain worse.
Should night guard cover gums?
It’s fine to cover your gums for an hour or two but not 8 hours a night, 7 nights a week. That’s why you can wear your sports mouth guard for a game or practice, but not while you sleep. A night guard only covers your teeth, especially the biting surfaces.
How long should a night guard last?
On average, a night guard can last between 5 and 10 years. These times can vary based on the severity of your teeth grinding and whether or not you’re taking other steps to try and prevent it.
Can you drink water with a night guard in?
Do not eat or drink (except water) with your guard in. Be sure you floss and brush thoroughly prior to placement as food and bacteria can become trapped between your teeth and guard and increase your risk of decay an stain the guard.
Can I soak my night guard in mouthwash?
2- Wash your night guard in mouthwash.
Submerging your night guard in mouthwash will help kill the germs left on your mouthguard. After you have submerged it in mouthwash rinse it with cool water. Do NOT soak your night guard in mouthwash, as that may cause damage.