A night guard is a thin plastic cover that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It protects your teeth like a helmet protects your head. Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it. If you need help finding the right solution, a dental clinic near you can assist you. Dentists in areas like a dental clinic in SW Calgary see patients with this problem every day. A night guard is a simple tool that stops your teeth from getting hurt while you rest.
Understanding Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night is called bruxism. It happens when your jaw muscles tighten during sleep. Stress and worry cause most grinding. Other things that make it worse include drinking coffee late in the day or drinking alcohol before bed. When you grind all night, your teeth slowly wear down. This can make your teeth hurt, feel sensitive, and even break. Your jaw can feel sore when you wake up. You might also have headaches in the morning.
How a Night Guard Protects Your Teeth
A night guard rests between the upper and lower teeth. The pressure is all on the guard when you grind. It functions as a cushion that absorbs the shock. You are safer of cavities since your teeth do not touch each other at night. While you sleep, the guard does the job. You awaken without feeling any pain or harm to your teeth.
Do Night Guards Stop You From Grinding?
Here is an honest answer: A night guard does not stop you from grinding. It stops the damage that grinding causes. Your teeth still grind, but your guard protects them. Think about it this way—if your teeth were a car, the guard would be the airbag that keeps the car safe during a crash.
You may ask, “Do night guards prevent teeth grinding?” The answer is they prevent damage, not the grinding itself. If you feel stress during the day, exercise and relaxation can help reduce grinding. Staying away from caffeine before bed also helps.
How Long Should You Wear a Night Guard?
Most people should wear their night guard every night. If you grind every night, your guard should be in your mouth every night. Some people only grind on stressful nights. Think of it like taking vitamins—the more you stick to it, the better it works. Wearing it every night keeps your teeth safe and healthy.
When Should You Replace a Night Guard?
Your night guard does not last forever. Most guards work well for three to five years. If you grind very hard, you might need a new one sooner. Look for these signs that it’s time for a new guard:
- Cracks or breaks in the plastic
- Holes or tears
- Pieces falling off
- The guard does not fit right anymore
- It looks stained or dirty even after cleaning
Check your guard every month or two.
The Real Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
Wearing a guard helps more than just your teeth. Your gums, jaw, and mouth bones stay healthier too. Most people wake up with less jaw pain. Headaches often go away. You sleep better because your mouth is not in pain. Your teeth stay strong and white. You also save money. Broken teeth, root canals, and crowns cost a lot of money. A night guard costs much less and stops these problems before they start.
How to Take Care of Your Guard
Keep your night guards in SW Calgary clean, and it will last longer:
- Rinse it with cool water after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush
- Soak it in denture cleaner once a week
- Keep it in a clean, dry case
- Never use hot water on it
- Keep it away from sun and heat
Getting Used to Your Guard
Wearing a new guard feels odd at first. Your mouth needs time to get used to it. Most people feel normal in one or two weeks. If it does not fit right, night guards near you can be adjusted. A small change from your dentist can make a big difference. Tell your dentist if something hurts or feels wrong.
Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep
Your teeth perform tasks every day. The night requires some protection. Getting a night guard is a good idea. You need help right away if you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth.
Richmond Dental cares about your health & your smile. We help you choose the right mouth guard. We’ll listen to you and create a strategy! You may call us today to find out more!
Four Quick Questions Answered
Q: Are night guards safe for children?
Yes. Kids may use night guards for teeth-grinding problems. The correct size will be chosen by your dentist.
Q: Will my jaw pain dissipate over time?
A guard can help decrease jaw pain from grinding. Depending on the cause, you might require additional assistance.
Q: How do I know if I grind my teeth?
You might wake up with a sore jaw or headache. Your dentist can see signs of grinding on your teeth.
Q: Is a custom guard worth the money?
Yes. A custom guard fits better, lasts longer, and feels more comfortable than store-bought guards.