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Night Guards & Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause significant damage to your teeth and jaw over time. Night mouth guards are a highly effective solution to protect your teeth while you sleep. This guide will explain night mouth guards for teeth grinding, the different types available, and how to properly care for them.
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Do Night Guards Help with Teeth Grinding?

Night guards or night splints specifically prevent teeth from grinding against each other during sleep. A mouth guard helps protect your teeth from damage, reduce jaw pain, and prevent wear on your teeth.
Night Guards For Teeth Grinding

What Mouth Guards Stop Teeth Grinding at Night?

Various types of mouth guards can help stop teeth grinding at night.
Stock Mouthguards

Pre-formed and ready to wear but often offer a poor fit.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth guards

Made from thermoplastic material that softens when boiled and then moulded to your teeth.

Custom-Fitted Mouth guards

Made by a dentist for the best fit and maximum protection.

What Are the Best Night Guards for Teeth Grinding?

The best night guards for teeth grinding are custom-fitted ones made by a dentist. They offer the most precise fit and comfort. However, popular over-the-counter options like boil-and-bite guards can also be effective for many users.
Mouthguards play a crucial role in dental health, protecting teeth from damage during sports, physical activities, and even sleep.
Mouth Guards Stop Teeth Grinding

What Are the Risks of Wearing a Mouthguard?

While mouthguards are generally safe and effective, there are potential risks if not used or maintained properly:
Improper Fit Icon

Improper Fit

A poorly fitting mouthguard can cause discomfort. It can also make it difficult to breathe and talk. Additionally, it may not provide adequate protection for your teeth. Dentists recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for the best fit and comfort.

Bacterial Growth Icon

Bacterial Growth

Mouthguards can harbor bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to oral infections, bad breath, and other health issues. Proper hygiene practices, such as rinsing the mouthguard after each use and cleaning it thoroughly, are essential.

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Wear and Tear

Over time, mouthguards can become worn out and less effective. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary to ensure they continue to provide optimal protection.

Allergic Reactions Icon

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to the materials used in mouthguards. It’s important to consult with a dentist to choose a hypoallergenic option if you have known allergies.

When Should You Wear a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are essential in various situations to protect your teeth and mouth:
Mouthguard
Sports and Physical Activities

Any sport that involves physical contact, falls, or flying objects can pose a risk to your teeth. Sports like football, hockey, basketball, and martial arts are common scenarios where mouthguards are crucial.

Nighttime Protection

Individuals who grind their teeth (bruxism) during sleep should wear a night guard. This helps prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and other related issues.

Orthodontic Protection

If you have braces or other dental appliances, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and braces during sports. It helps prevent damage that can occur while playing sports or engaging in activities.

Mouthguards provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth and braces. Wearing a mouthguard is important to avoid potential injury.

How to Use a Mouthguard

Using a mouthguard effectively involves several key steps:
Choosing the Right Type

Select the appropriate mouthguard based on your needs: stock, boil-and-bite, or custom-fitted. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection and comfort.

Wearing

Place the mouthguard over your upper teeth before starting the activity. Ensure it fits snugly and doesn’t hinder your breathing or speaking.

Fitting

For boil-and-bite mouthguards, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mould the mouthguard to your teeth. Your dentist will mould custom-fitted mouthguards.

Maintenance

Rinse the mouthguard before and after each use. Clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste or in a solution recommended by your dentist. Store it in a ventilated case when not in use.

Why Wear a Mouthguard at Night?

Wearing a mouthguard at night offers several important benefits, particularly for individuals who grind their teeth:
Preventing Tooth Damage

Night guards protect teeth from the excessive wear and tear caused by grinding and clenching during sleep.

Alleviating Jaw Pain

They help reduce the strain on the jaw muscles, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with bruxism.

Improving Sleep Quality

By minimising discomfort and preventing tooth damage, night guards can contribute to a more restful sleep.

Protecting Dental Work

Night guards can help protect expensive dental work, such as crowns and bridges, from damage caused by grinding.

Increased Tooth

FAQs About Mouthguards and Night Guards

Mouthguards are essential in various situations to protect your teeth and mouth:

Sports and Physical Activities: Any sport that involves physical contact, falls, or flying objects can pose a risk to your teeth. Sports like football, hockey, basketball, and martial arts are common scenarios where mouthguards are crucial.
Night Time Protection: Individuals who grind their teeth (bruxists) during sleep should wear a night guard. This helps prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and other related issues.
Orthodontic Protection: If you have braces or other dental appliances, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and braces during sports. It helps prevent damage that can occur while playing sports or engaging in activities.

Night guards or night splints specifically prevent teeth from grinding against each other during sleep. A mouth guard helps protect your teeth from damage, reduce jaw pain, and prevent wear on your teeth.
Mouthguards play a crucial role in dental health, protecting teeth from damage during sports, physical activities, and even sleep. The best night guards for teeth grinding are custom-fitted ones made by a dentist. They offer the most precise fit and comfort.
Dentists often recommend night guards for the bottom teeth for teeth grinding because they can be more comfortable and less likely to cause gagging. However, the choice can depend on personal preference and specific dental issues.
Good night guards are strong, but you can still bite through them if you grind your teeth extremely hard. However this is less likely in most of people.

Hard Night Guards (Acrylic Occlusal Splints):

More durable and longer-lasting
Better for severe grinding
Soft Night Guards
More comfortable for mild grinding
Can wear out faster

If you have a chronic issue with teeth grinding, long-term use of a night guard may be necessary. However, some people might use them temporarily if their bruxism is stress-related or situational.
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.
Yes, you should brush your night guard every night and next morning to remove bacteria and debris. Use a toothbrush with toothpaste and rinse thoroughly.

While mouthguards are generally safe and effective, there are potential risks if not used or maintained properly:

Improper Fit: A poorly fitting mouthguard can cause discomfort. It can also make it difficult to breathe and talk. Additionally, it may not provide adequate protection for your teeth. Dentists recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for the best fit and comfort.
Bacterial Growth: Mouthguards can harbour bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to oral infections, bad breath, and other health issues. Proper hygiene practices, such as rinsing the mouthguard after each use and cleaning it thoroughly, are essential.
Wear and Tear: Over time, mouthguards can become worn out and less effective. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary to ensure they continue to provide optimal protection.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the materials used in mouthguards. It’s important to consult with a dentist to choose a hypoallergenic option if you have known allergies.

Using a mouthguard effectively involves several key steps:

Choosing the Right Type: Select the appropriate mouthguard based on your needs: stock, boil-and-bite, or custom-fitted. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection and comfort.

Fitting: For boil-and-bite mouthguards, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mould the mouthguard to your teeth. Your dentist will mould custom-fitted mouthguards.

Wearing: Using your thumbs, push the mouthguard up and back against your molars. Ensure it fits snugly and doesn’t hinder your breathing or speaking.

Maintenance: Rinse the mouthguard before and after each use. Clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste or in a solution recommended by your dentist. Store it in a ventilated case when not in use.

A well-fitted mouthguard should:

  • Be comfortable and not cause gagging
  • End between the first and second molars.
  • Fit snugly without shifting

Top Teeth: Generally for sports.
Bottom Teeth: Often for bruxism, as it offers better comfort and results.

Chronic teeth grinding can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness, particularly in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Night guards help by minimising the pressure exerted on the jaw muscles, thus preventing overuse and strain. This reduction in muscle activity during sleep allows the muscles to relax and recover, significantly reducing pain and discomfort.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is often exacerbated by bruxism. Night guards help by stabilising the jaw and preventing excessive movement that can aggravate the TMJ. Stabilising the jaw can reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve alignment. This is important for long-lasting relief from TMJ symptoms.

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