07 Oct Benefits of a Night Guard: Advice from West Kelowna Dentist
Are you waking up with sore jaws, headaches, or worn-down teeth? You might be grinding your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. Nighttime teeth grinding affects up to one in ten adults, often without them realizing it. The good news? A night guard could be the simple, effective solution you’ve been looking for. In this guide, we’ll explore what a night guard does, the best night guards for teeth grinding, and how to clean and care for your night guard so you can protect your smile long-term. Don’t let teeth grinding wear down your smile, contact True Dental in West Kelowna today to book your custom night guard consultation.
What Does a Night Guard Do?
A night guard, sometimes called a teeth night guard or clenching night guard, is a custom-fitted dental appliance that fits snugly over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing pressure from nighttime teeth clenching and grinding, habits that many people don’t even realize they have.
When you grind your teeth, the powerful jaw muscles exert excessive force on your enamel, sometimes as much as 250 pounds of pressure per square inch. Over time, this can cause chipped teeth, receding gums, enamel loss, and chronic jaw pain. A professionally made night guard from your dentist redistributes that pressure evenly and prevents tooth-to-tooth contact, protecting your smile and relieving tension in your jaw joints and muscles.
A night guard is more than just a piece of plastic between your teeth. It’s a carefully designed protective device that minimizes the damage caused by long-term teeth grinding and clenching. Custom night guards are made from durable yet comfortable materials that adapt perfectly to your bite which allows you to breathe, swallow, and sleep comfortably.
Here are the key benefits of wearing a night guard:
- Prevents Tooth Damage: Grinding can wear down enamel, leading to sensitivity, cracks, and even fractures. A mouthguard for sleeping acts as a cushion, preventing direct contact between upper and lower teeth.
- Reduces Jaw Pain: Constant clenching strains your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). A bite guard helps reduce this tension and offers much-needed relief.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Less tension and discomfort in your jaw often mean deeper, more restful sleep and fewer interruptions throughout the night.
- Protects Dental Work: If you’ve had crowns, veneers, or other restorative treatments, a bruxism guard helps preserve those investments by preventing excessive wear or damage.
- Prevents Headaches: Chronic teeth grinding can trigger morning headaches or facial soreness. A custom sleep guard can reduce or eliminate these painful symptoms.
Ultimately, a night guard not only protects your teeth from physical wear but also promotes better jaw alignment, improved comfort, and a healthier, more relaxed sleep routine.
Grinding Teeth: Reasons and Symptoms
Before investing in a night guard, it’s important to understand why people grind their teeth. Common grinding teeth reasons include:
- Stress or anxiety, which can lead to nighttime clenching.
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring.
- Bite misalignment, which causes uneven contact between teeth.
- Caffeine or alcohol consumption before bed, which can overstimulate your muscles.
Grinding teeth symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Worn or flattened tooth surfaces
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Headaches upon waking
- Tooth sensitivity
- Disrupted sleep or jaw clicking sounds
If these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your West Kelowna dentist about being evaluated for bruxism and getting fitted for a custom night guard.
Why Sleeping with a Night Guard is Beneficial
Sleeping with a mouth guard for teeth clenching is essential if you’re prone to grinding. It not only protects your teeth but also keeps your jaw in a relaxed position. Unlike other oral appliances, night guards are custom-fitted by your West Kelowna dentist, ensuring comfort throughout the night.
Do Night Guards Cause Teeth Wear? Debunking the Myth
One common misconception is that night guards can wear down your teeth. In reality, they do the opposite. A custom-fitted teeth night guard made by your dentist is crafted from durable, biocompatible materials that protect enamel and evenly distribute pressure during grinding.
Store-bought options or poorly fitted guards can sometimes worsen discomfort, which is why professional fitting matters. Your dentist at True Dental in West Kelowna can help you choose the best night guard for teeth grinding based on your bite, grinding severity, and comfort preferences.
Some worry that using a night guard might wear down their teeth. However, it’s actually the opposite. Night guards are made from durable, soft materials that protect teeth from direct impact. A professionally made mouthguard for grinding distributes pressure evenly, keeping your teeth safe.
How to Clean a Night Guard
Proper maintenance ensures your night guard lasts and stays hygienic. Here’s how to clean a night guard safely:
- Rinse after every use with lukewarm water—never hot water, as heat can warp the material.
- Use gentle soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to remove debris.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Soak weekly in a denture-cleaning solution for deeper cleaning.
- Store in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth.
- Bring your night guard to regular dental checkups to ensure it still fits properly.
Neglecting care can lead to bacteria buildup, bad odours, and gum irritation, so make cleaning part of your nightly routine.
Do Night Guards Move Teeth?
A properly made night guard should fit comfortably without moving your teeth. Over-the-counter options that don’t match your bite can apply uneven pressure, leading to unwanted shifting. That’s why a custom night guard from your West Kelowna dentist is the safest and most effective option.
Should a Night Guard Cover All Teeth?
Most teeth night guards are designed to cover either the upper or lower arch, not both. Your dentist will determine the best design based on your bite pattern and grinding intensity. The goal is to protect your teeth while still allowing natural jaw movement during sleep.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard from True Dental
If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, visit True Dental today. Our team of experienced West Kelowna dentists can fit you with a high-quality, comfortable night guard that protects your smile.
At True Dental in West Kelowna, we create custom night guards designed to fit your mouth perfectly and protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. Unlike store-bought options, our clenching night guards are molded precisely to your bite, offering maximum protection and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with teeth grinding, jaw pain, or enamel wear, a custom night guard can make a world of difference.