Protecting your teeth is worth all the money in this world!
When something valuable is at stake, or there is a peril of damage lingering over it, what do we do? We will usually arrange a guard, some sort of security for it at the very instant.
Similarly, many people put their teeth in danger if they develop a habit of teeth grinding when under stress or anger. This habit may lead to sensitive teeth and tons of other problems too. But worry not! Like every other problem, this has a solution too, and that is a mouthguard or a nightguard.
Mouthguard- Things that you need to know!
As the name suggests, a mouthguard is a removable dental appliance (custom-made) that guards your teeth and jaws by acting as a barrier between upper and lower teeth. It protects the teeth from clenching or grinding against each other while you are sleeping (under stress), angry, or from injuries while playing sports.
People usually become skeptical when they are advised to use a certain kind of oral appliance, generally because they lack awareness. Hence, keep scrolling to know what you might be getting your teeth into!
What is the difference between a mouthguard and a nightguard?
We know you thought they were the same.
Well, they are not, even though they both protect your teeth in different ways. Here is what you need to know, and why!
Mouthguard: Also known as a Sports Guard (stock mouthguards) and available in the market (commercially) in ready-to-wear form, comes in different sizes and shapes. As the other name suggests, they are used by sportsmen to protect their mouths from sports injuries. These can be custom made at the Dental Clinic as well.
Nightguards: They are custom-made, specific for each patient, and are often recommended by dentists to patients who have a history of grinding teeth during sleep. The patients are advised to wear nightguards while sleeping to protect the teeth against the detrimental effects of night grinding (bruxism).
Differences:
- They are made of different materials
- Serve different purposes
- Mouthguards come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, always available in the market
- Nightguards are custom made for each patient & are transparent
**Sportsmen usually go and buy the mouthguards from the market. However, it is best to get a dentist’s consultation before an upcoming sports event** |
Some of the questions that might pop up related to mouthguards and nightguards are;
Does the nightguard change your bite?
People with the habit of clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) are usually unaware of it because it happens during their sleep and is often informed by other people or find out about it when they experience pain in their TMJ (temporomandibular joint), which is around the sides of the jaw, near the ears. Many of them are mostly under stress due to an upcoming exam or work-related deadlines or financial and/or relationship pressures, while some might have an underlying disease such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Whichever is the case, the first thing to do is to consult your dentist and get your night guard made. It could be challenging to convince some patients to wear this dental device throughout the night as they believe that it might change or alter their smile, get choked or suffocated in their sleep or that their sleep might be obstructed.
Dr. Shoaib Durrani at Durrani’s Dental Clinic explains that the nightguards’ purpose is to act as a ‘shock absorber’ to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching and teeth grinding habits. He also counsels his patients on how to wear them effectively.
Listen to your dentist, because your smile is really important to them!
Should I get an upper- or lower- night guard?
There is no exact answer to this because your dentist will decide after proper dental examination and recognizing the underlying disease.
Generally, an upper single soft nightguard is preferred as patients find them to be more comfortable and easier to use.
If the patient has sleep apnea that has led to the need for a nightguard, then a lower one is recommended because such patients have breathing issues while sleeping. An upper night guard may induce gag reflex or obstruct the breathing pathway due to anxiety.
Two is better than one, but not in this case. All in all, dentists do not recommend two nightguards.
How long is a nightguard supposed to last?
There is no general rule to this, and it varies from patient to patient. It is important to understand here that your first night guard is supposed to be worn every night for 3 months at the least. This is because it takes around 3 months or any subconscious habit to break. Since the first nightguard is bearing the brunt of your clenching habits, it is fair to say that it will be worn out quickly.
A soft nightguard can last from 6 months or a year; it depends on the patient’s condition and stress level. The better the management, the earlier they get rid of it.
However, the nightguards may need replacement every year, depending on the extent of wear. It is best to have regular visits to your dentists to check on it, as recommended by Dr. Shoaib Durrani.
What is the purpose of a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are the protectors of your teeth and gums. The key role is to prevent your mouth from any injury while playing sports. When used as a nightguard, the key purpose is the stop the clenching and teeth grinding to protect the person from a multitude of dental issues that may follow.
How do you sterilize a mouthguard?
Sterilization or disinfection for that matter will ruin the soft appliance especially due to the application of heat and chemicals. However, the mouthguard or a nightguard is a removable oral appliance and needs to be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent it from becoming dirty.
You can easily clean and sanitize a mouthguard at your home by following a few simple steps;
- Immerse the mouthguard in cool/cold water and thoroughly rinse it
- Take a soft toothbrush and brush your mouthguard gently but on every surface the same way as your teeth
- Gently rinse it again
- Wait till it dries and place it into the designated nightguard box. You will have a clean mouthguard that is home only to your teeth and not to any bacteria.
Is it safe to sleep with a mouthguard?
Only a custom-made mouthguard, which is a nightguard that is specifically designed to prevent bruxism- night grinding, is safe to wear during sleep. The over-the-counter mouthguards used for sports and without a dental evaluation are not safe to wear during sleep and can be very uncomfortable.
What is the best teeth guard for night grinding?
Although there are three common types of teeth- or mouthguards but custom-made nightguards are the best teeth guards for night grinding.
- Stock Mouthguards: these are over-the-counter readymade mouthguards that are commercially available in the market used by sportspeople. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes and might not be a good fit for many because they are “one-size-fits-for-all”!
- Boil-and-Bite: this is a form of a moldable custom-fit mouthguard, in which the material is immersed in hot water to soften, and then the patient is made to bite over it.
- Custom Impression: they are custom made, require a proper dental evaluation, and are highly recommended by dentists.
Now that you are more aware and well-equipped with the relevant information relating to mouthguards, it is best to visit your dentist. Visit us, Dr. Shoaib Durrani, at Durrani’s Dental Clinic or call at +92-21-3722-7441 to book an appointment.
