Can Night Guards Ruin Your Teeth?
Night guards are helpful for a vast majority of people with bruxism, a condition characterized by the chronic, habitual clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth, which usually happens during sleep. Made from a type of plastic or vinyl, a night guard looks like a teeth-whitening tray or athletic mouth guard: a pair of rigid-yet-flexible cradles that each hug a row of teeth, preventing the teeth from making contact with one another and resisting the forces used to clench the jaw. This cushioning helps relieve tension headaches and jaw pain and can also improve the quality of sleep, while the barrier between the upper and lower rows protects the teeth themselves.
Night guards help millions of children and adults and are broadly considered a helpful way to prevent the many side effects of bruxism, but there can be some side effects of the night guard itself, too. Many of these side effects are more likely to arise with over-the-counter night guards, though there can be a “learning curve” with a custom-fitted night guard, too. While many of these issues are minor and should diminish on their own as you get used to your night guard, there are some things you can do to ensure that your night guard won’t increase your discomfort or ruin your teeth.
What Are Some of the Concerns with Night Guards?
- Irritation, sensitivity, or other minor discomfort
- Longer-lasting pain or pressure
- Shifting teeth
- Jaw pain or misalignment
Whether the night guard is custom-made or not, it’s common for people to experience some minor discomfort as they get used to sleeping with one in. This is true for even the most meticulously fitted and crafted night guard, and it might present as a feeling of pressure on the teeth, combined with mild tenderness in the gums, jaw, and teeth. It shouldn’t last for more than a couple of weeks, so, if you’re using a custom night guard, see your dentist for an adjustment, and, if you’re using an over-the-counter guard, you might want to try a different type or spring for a custom one. You can also relieve irritation by limiting the amount of time you wear your night guard, gradually easing into longer durations, and by rinsing your mouth periodically with warm salt water.
The other possible side effects shouldn’t arise with custom night guards, so if you have a custom guard and do find yourself facing prolonged soreness, shifting teeth, or jaw pain or misalignment, see your dentist for an evaluation and a possible fit adjustment or other modification. If these side effects occur with an over-the-counter night guard, you can try a different kind, though that may just mean you’re throwing money away; it’s obviously a better idea to see your dentist for a one-and-done custom night guard that’s guaranteed to work. Whichever choice you make, be sure to address the situation if you feel prolonged pain, as this could indicate that greater damage is occurring, like tooth or bite misalignment. Don’t let the side effects of your night guard be worse than the side effects of your bruxism, and let your dentist help you find the night guard that will work best for you. Call today for a future of rejuvenating, restful sleep and healthy, sturdy teeth.
Related Article: Will a Night Guard Change your Bite?