If you have ever woken up with a sore jaw, headache, or damaged teeth, you might be dealing with bruxism. This condition occurs when you grind or clench your teeth during your sleep. One effective solution to this problem is wearing a night guard. But are you a good candidate for this treatment, or are there other more reliable treatments?
At Mountain View Dental, we know how difficult it can be to manage bruxism symptoms. Failing to treat it with the help of a trusted dental professional and adequate oral devices can result in irreparable tooth damage. If you want to learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for a night guard, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is a dental device that is worn over the teeth. It is used to protect them from grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism, during your sleep. There are two standard types of night guards. You may choose to to have a night guard made through your dental team. These night guards are made of plastic of acrylic and are custom-fitted to your teeth. You may also choose to use a store-bought option. These devices are used to provide cushioning between your upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of tooth damage and jaw pain.
Should You Wear a Night Guard?
If you are exhibiting any of the signs, wearing a night guard may be incredibly beneficial. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: You may not be able to notice this on your own, but a partner may be able to hear grinding noises at night as you clench your teeth.
- Jaw Pain or Stiffness: It isn’t common for individuals to experience jaw pain without cause. Persistent discomfort in your jaw muscles, especially in the morning, might be a sign that you have bruxism and would benefit from a night guard.
- Tooth Damage: If you have bruxism, you may begin to notice the edges of your teeth chipping, flattening, and wearing down. This tooth damage may become substantially worse as you ignore symptoms.
- Headaches: When the muscles in your jaw are tense, especially for extended periods of time, like when you’re sleeping, you may wake up with frequent headaches.
If you’ve ever experienced any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have bruxism and need a night guard. To know for sure, it is best to speak to your dentist at your next dental cleaning. They can determine if the signs you’re exhibiting are a result of bruxism and if creating a custom night guard is best for you.
Are Store-Bought Night Guards a Good Option?
Store-bought night guards, also known as over-the-counter (OTC) night guards, are a more affordable and accessible option compared to custom-made guards. However, their reliability can vary. If you are considering purchasing one, there are a few things you should consider:
- Fit and Comfort: A night guard made by your dentist is tailored specifically to your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit. Over-the-counter night guards come in standard sizes and may not fit as well, leading to discomfort and less effective protection.
- Material Quality: Custom night guards are typically made from higher-quality, durable materials designed to withstand significant wear and tear. Over-the-counter options might use cheaper materials that wear out more quickly.
- Effectiveness: Your night guard’s effectiveness in preventing bruxism-related damage depends on how well it fits. Ill-fitting, over-the-counter night guards can sometimes make the problems worse rather than help alleviate these symptoms.
Although store-bought night guards can provide temporary relief, they are not generally as effective as custom-made ones. If you choose to use a store-bought night guard, it is best to use it as a short-term solution while you wait for your dentist to create your custom night guard.
How Often Should You Wear Your Night Guard?
If you want to see the maximum benefits from your night guard, you should wear it every night. People who have bruxism will likely deal with these symptoms every night, so consistent use of your night guard is essential for preventing damage. If you wear your night guard every night, there are a few things you can do to maintain it and prevent damage, including:
- Cleaning It Regularly: Rinse your night guard with water before and after use. Use a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap to clean it thoroughly. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material.
- Storage: To protect your night guard from damage and contamination, store it in its case whenever it isn’t being used. Ensure your case is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
- Monitor for Wear and Tear: Over time, your night guard may wear down. Inspect it regularly for signs of damage and replace it when necessary. Wearing a worn-out night guard won’t provide the necessary protection, making replacement essential.
Alleviating Oral Discomfort at Mountain View Dental
When you’ve been dealing with frustrating and painful oral health problems like bruxism, it is important that you work with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Ogden, Utah, area, turn to our team at Mountain View Dental. We’ve provided patients across the Ogden area with the most reliable dental care for years, making us the perfect choice for your dental treatments.
Whether you need to address oral irritations or you’re looking for a team to provide reliable dental care, our team provides a variety of dental services to meet every patient’s unique needs. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with our team or if you have any questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
