Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep can help reduce your risk for: Wear and tear from clenching or grinding your teeth. Snoring. Jaw pain, headaches, facial pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Depending on the type and quality of your night guard, it can be easily loosened or damaged. Some can experience salivation and a dry mouth, especially new users.
As the ASA explains, there are two different types of over-the-counter night guards. The first is the one-size-fits-all variety. These products are designed to fit most mouth types. The second type is the boil-and-bite night guard, which you need to soften with heat and bite into to create a good fit with your teeth.
Your dentist may recommend a night guard to help you with morning headaches, for TMJ jaw pain relief, and to prevent damage to your teeth, jaw, crowns, and other dental restorations.
Wearing a night guard without brushing your teeth can lead to bacterial buildup and increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before using your night guard is a must.
The good news is that you can help reduce the risk of facial changes by treating your teeth grinding with a grinding, or night, guard. These guards provide a cushion between the teeth that helps prevent the damage to the enamel, while also helping to relax the jaw muscles and reduce the tension from grinding.
Dental mouth guards are expensive because they are custom-made to fit each individual's mouth, requiring specialized materials and labor.
Do You Need to Wear It Forever? The duration you need to wear a night guard varies based on individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider: Underlying Cause: If your teeth grinding is due to stress, you might only need to wear a night guard until you manage your stress better.
We want back teeth touching or the canines touching as you slide your lower jaw forward and we don't want front teeth touching the night guard when you do this.
First and foremost, it's important to consider the quality of your night guard. A well-made custom night guard can typically last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. However, if you notice any signs of wear and tear such as cracks or thinning, it may be time for a replacement.
Emre Ali Demir
