Advantages and Disadvantages of Mouth Guards
Dental night guards are a valuable asset when it comes to guarding your teeth against the adverse effects of teeth grinding or clenching. Your dentist may advise a night guard to prevent future damage. This blog post explores the pros and cons of guards.
Pros & Cons of Mouth Guards
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a night guard.
1. Guard Teeth Against Damage
Teeth grinding at night cause severe dental issues. Also, teeth start to wear down. With wearing down of enamel increases the risk around the roots. This also leads to cavities, toothache and sensitive teeth.
A sports guard protects teeth from the damage by preventing clenching while sleeping. It stops worn down and chipped teeth in no time.
2. Prevent Tooth and Jaw Pain
Bruxism can lead to other problems like jaw ache, headaches, tooth pain, and wear and tear on the teeth. Mouth guards are built to be worn while sleeping to help prevent any pain from happening.
3. Customized Guards
For custom guards, the dentist allows you to bite down on clay to get a replica of your teeth. He or she then sends the mold to a lab.
The bonus point is that the dentist can adjust the guard thickness depending on the bruxism severity. Doctors also make sure that it’s comfortable.
4. Get Rid of Headache
Clenching puts plenty of stress on the jaw. Users experience various levels of jaw pain. This results in migraines and headaches, thereby making it tough for users to follow their everyday routine. But the use of night guards can be effective in preventing it.
5. Promote Good Night Sleep
Wearing a guard allows you to have a peaceful goodnight sleep. It prevents the clenching force during the night. This makes muscles relaxed while sleeping.
Cons
1. Getting Addicted
Patients typically get used to the dental device. However, it is advised for patients to wear guard for nearly 10 minutes before going to bed.
2. Improper Fit
If your sports guard does not have a proper fitting, it can slip off your mouth mainly during teeth grinding.
You may also face irritation in your mouth. The great way to avoid the wrong fit is to use a custom night guard or follow the instructions carefully.
3. Not Built for Long-Term Use
Guards made of thin plastic or gel that can break during bruxism. Thus, they are not designed for long-term use.
4. Not Following Proper Instructions
Not using the guard as per the instruction can make it less effective. For a good outcome, it is important to wear it every night and follow instructions properly.
Mouth Guard Cleaning Tips
Once you get a night guard, it’s vital to care for it properly. It will continue to protect your teeth for a long time.
Your everyday oral health routine should include proper cleaning of your night guard. Follow these tips for cleaning and it will stay in tip-top shape for the years to come.
1. Wash it Instantly After Wearing
Each time you wear your guard, wash it using warm water immediately. This will eliminate any debris and plaque stuck to it.
2. Place your Guard on a Clean Surface and Dry it Fully
Make sure your night guard is completely dry before you store it to prevent bacterial growth. It’s a good idea to pick a flat and clean surface. Usually, it should take within 15 minutes to half an hour.
3. Use a Robust Case for Storing
Store your guard in a strong case while you are not wearing it. Remember, strong it in the bathroom cause humidity to wear it down with time. We advise you to store it in the bedroom.
Note: Avoid applying toothpaste to the brush. It is because this can be abrasive and may cause it to wear out more speedily.
4. Brush it As You Do for Your Tooth
It is also essential to lightly brush your guard with a toothbrush. If you want, use the same toothbrush that you use for teeth cleaning daily.
When it comes to mouth safety, the right type of custom mouth guard proves to be an excellent investment. If you want to know more about how night guard can benefit you, schedule an appointment with an expert today.