Is it Safe to Wear a Mouthguard at Night?
Are you suffering from the symptoms of jaw clenching or teeth grinding? Speak with your dental specialist about getting a night mouthguard. Mouthguards, also known as dental night guards, are covers that go over the teeth. These protective devices are used frequently to prevent sports-related and teeth-grinding injuries. They also shield your teeth against bruxism or teeth grinding. Guards work by easing jaw pain and minimizing the risk of wearing down the enamel erosion.
What is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a dental appliance that covers your teeth and shields your gums, tongue, cheeks, and cheekbones from damage.
What is a Night Mouthguard?
Patients who experience bruxism, particularly at night, or who wish to alleviate teeth grinding frequently receive prescriptions for night mouthguards. They create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to safeguard your teeth and other structures.
For maximum comfort, a night mouthguard is constructed using thin, malleable plastic, which the professional molds to fit your mouth and teeth individually. You can determine if a night mouthguard is a right choice for your needs or what type you should wear by speaking with your dentist.
Can a Mouthguard at Night Cause Tooth Decay?
This query does not provide a straightforward yes/any response. How well you take care of your night is what matters the most. If the night guard you use doesn’t fit properly or you do not clean it frequently enough, your teeth may become more vulnerable to decay. However, if you use a personalized night guard and keep it clean regularly, you are actually preventing cavities in your teeth.
The accumulation of plaque is the first step in the creation of cavities. When bacteria devour the sugars and carbohydrates left on the surface of your teeth after eating and drinking, it will create a sticky film. When they feed on it, the bacteria create an acid. The bacteria, acid, food fragments, and saliva combines to produce plaque.
Once this clingy film forms on your teeth, the acid in the plaque starts to erode the tooth enamel, creating microscopic gaps that allow germs to enter and cause cavities. If unattended, the germs and acid penetrate the dentin, moving further into the tooth. At this point, you can start to notice that a cavity hurts.
How Do You Clean Your Mouthguard?
Here are some helpful tips for cleaning and maintaining your guard:
Wash Well
Wash your nightguard right away after each use. Brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cold to warm water while using dish soap, antibacterial soap, or nonabrasive toothpaste. It will eliminate or prevent plaque and debris from sticking to it.
Dry it Out Completely
As soon as your night guard is tidy, remove any extra water by shaking. In a dry area, let it air dry. You can also place it on a spotless and leveled surface. It might dry entirely in between 15 and 30 minutes. If it doesn’t fully dry out, move your guard to a different room or area.
Store it in a High-Quality Case
For security reasons, place your guard in its case when you do not wear it. The experts at The Art of Smile Dental Clinic advise using a fresh guard by soaking the mouthguard at least once every week. It is designed for use with mouthpieces, retainers, and nightguards. A brief 30-minute soak helps to clean the guard of bacteria and mouth film.
Replace a Broken or Damaged Night Guard Immediately
If you see any cracks or tears, replace your dental night guards in Vancouver, BC right away. These usually serve as hiding places for bacteria, making cleanup challenging. Bacteria flourish once inside your mouth and eat on your teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the best natural cleaning solutions for your mouthguard is hydrogen peroxide. Just submerge it in a cup of hydrogen peroxide for several hours. It will clean stains from your gadget effectively.
Get a Custom Guard Now
If you find your teeth missing or crooked or you clench your teeth while you sleep, a custom-made night guard is more comfortable, long-lasting, and effective than other solutions. To learn more about different mouth guard alternatives and determine which is ideal for you, speak with your dentist today.