Caring for Your Night Guard

A night guard is a protective appliance for your mouth. It covers and protects both the teeth and gums. Night guards are widely used to prevent teeth grinding. But it is very important for people to take proper care of them.

How to take care of a night guard

Teeth grinding is a common condition that affects millions of people. It can be caused by stress and anxiety. Other common causes are sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or teeth that are crooked or missing. This problem is also associated with tobacco and alcohol use.

People who drink alcohol or smokers are more likely to grind their teeth. Some common symptoms of the condition are dull headaches, fractured teeth, and jaw soreness. Others include teeth that are loose or painful. Here is a breakdown of how a night guard can help a person who grinds the teeth and how to clean and care for them.

Night guards for teeth grinding

A dentist may recommend a night guard for patients who grind their teeth at night. The custom-made device can protect the teeth during sleep. The appliance separates the teeth and acts as a barrier. This helps to protect them from further breakage and wear. It can also help a patient to break the grinding habit.

A custom-made night guard often requires two dental appointments. During the first one, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth and make a model. The model will be used to make the night guard in a laboratory for a custom fit. After it comes back, a person has to return for the second appointment. The dentist will then make sure the night guard fits properly.

Care and cleaning

Cleaning teeth each day to remove bacteria is immensely important. It is also crucial to clean and sanitize a night guard after wearing it. The good thing is that it is easy to wash and maintain a night guard. It should be brushed with a toothbrush after being worn. This will help to remove bacteria and clean off any debris. The night guard should be rinsed well before and after use, regularly.

When a person is not wearing it, the appliance should be stored in a clean container. The device should be dry and the container should be ventilated to prevent bacterial growth. If a person does not want to end up with an appliance that is smelly and gross, the night guard should be cleaned and stored properly. A person should also regularly check for any cracks, breaks, or fissures that trap bacteria. When the night guard shows signs of wear, a patient should ask the provider about a replacement.

Takeaway

If you are clenching or grinding your teeth, your dentist may suggest wearing a night guard. But it should be cleaned regularly and protected from damage. This can help prevent a myriad of problems and ensure it can last for a long time. If you have any questions about how to care for a night guard, contact your dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://drelloway.dgdevnext.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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