Often, deep grooves will eventually form in the night guard from the force of the grinding. The night guard prevents this same force from causing damage to the teeth. Without a night guard, enamel can be worn down excessively, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Do mouthguards prevent tooth loss?
Repairing or replacing missing teeth can be costly and painful. Wearing a mouthguard during athletic activities can help you avoid: Chipped or lost teeth.
Does a mouth guard protect your teeth?
Mouthguards are dental devices that cover your teeth. A mouthguard protects your teeth, tongue, gums and cheeks from trauma caused by teeth grinding or sports injuries .
Does a night guard protect your teeth?
Mouthguards cover your teeth to protect teeth and gums. Custom-fitted mouthguards fit and protect your teeth better than over-the-counter mouthguards. Night guards can ease bruxism (teeth grinding) . Kids and adults should wear mouthguards during contact sports or activities like biking.
Should you wear night guard on upper or lower teeth?
Upper guards are typically recommended because they don’t remove easily compared to lower teeth nightguard. Dentists favor lower guards because they are often more comfortable and easier to get used to. The ideal night guard should protect all your teeth while not affecting your natural bite.
Can a mouth guard mess up your bite?
An ill-fitting night guard can actually adverse effects on your oral health by causing a change in your bite that will cause pain in your jaw. We always advise if you’re considering purchasing one to come see us and discuss it first!
Why do my teeth hurt after wearing a mouthguard?
If you do experience pain or your mouth is hurting after wearing a night guard, it is a sign that your night guard is not fitted properly in your mouth . The device may be too large or too small and is not providing the adequate protection that you desire and need.
Can bruxism be cured?
While there is no cure to completely stop teeth grinding , treatment can reduce its frequency 4 , decrease its impact, and relieve symptoms. In addition, home care tips can make it easier to cope with sleep bruxism.
How do I stop grinding my teeth in my sleep naturally?
- Reduce stress. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help you relax and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism.
- Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. ...
- Practice good sleep habits. ...
- Talk to your sleep partner. ...
- Schedule regular dental exams.
Does a mouthguard go on top or bottom?
Between both upper or lower night guards, the best results come from using a night guard on your bottom teeth . However, some patients may have a specific preference or need to protect porcelain veneers or other dental work on the top arch. In these cases, an upper guard might be a better option.
How do I stop clenching my jaw without a mouthguard?
- Occlusal Splints. One of the more similar treatments to a mouth guard is an occlusal splint. ...
- Botox Treatments. Much of the time, bruxism occurs because of tense jaw muscles and has nothing to do with the teeth themselves. ...
- Biofeedback.
How do you know if you need a top or bottom mouth guard?
If this is your first time wearing a custom made night guard, we recommend going with the upper . If you’re planning to wear it during the day, a lower mouth guard tends to be less visible and may be a more subtle choice if aesthetics are important to you.
Should you wear a night guard every night?
Yes , you should wear a night guard every night, especially if you experience severe bruxism. Not wearing your teeth night guard every night will still result in damaged teeth only at a much slower pace.
Can wearing a mouthguard make bruxism worse?
What’s more: the design of many night guards causes the posterior teeth to touch the guard’s plastic while the anterior teeth hardly touch the guard or do not touch it at all. The unevenness of tooth contact with the night guard can lead to even more clenching, grinding and TMJ problems.
Can a bite guard make TMJ worse?
While most night guards can prevent enamel wear by avoiding direct teeth contact, it does not prevent grinding and clenching. In some cases, night guards actually increase the activity of the muscles that clench and this makes TMJ pain worse.
Can my mouthguard make me sick?
Actually, we do! According to a study published by American General Dentistry (AGD), mouth guards can be the breeding ground to life-threatening bacteria, yeast and mold. Germs found in mouthguards can lead to strep and staph infections , which could leave the entire team on the bench.
