Nightguards are special devices that are made to provide protection against conditions like grinding or clenching, which occur mostly while you are sleeping. Some people are worried about the risk of choking if the night guards move or are not properly fitted. These issues are reasonable, but the chances increase when you are using the mouthguard improperly or selecting the wrong one. It is important to understand how to select, use, and acre for a nightguard, so it will help you to reduce irritations and risks.
In this article, we will discuss the issues of choking, clear misunderstandings, and provide helpful tips to reduce the risks. You can also learn about the factors of choking risks, why it is important to fit a mouthguard properly, and which one is better for your teeth. We hope in the end you will understand all the important points and remove your confusion. Let's start to talk in detail.
Why Do People Use Night Guards?
Mostly the mouthguards are used to protect the teeth from severe damage and from the effects of teeth grinding or clenching, which is also known as bruxism. If someone faces this condition and does not manage it before getting severe, it causes serious damage to your teeth like enamel breakdown, chipping, and cracking. The night guard plays the role of a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which lowers the pressure of a bite to your teeth.
The Choking Risk with Night Guards
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Thinking about choking after wearing a guard is scary, but this is an important step to clear up all the misunderstandings. Nightguards are not small pieces and are not easily swallowed, which means they are not designed to be the reason behind choking. But do not take it like there is little chance that the mouthguard gets displaced during sleep.
Factors Affecting Choking Risk
Several factors can influence the risk of choking on a night guard:
- Size and Design: Larger and bulkier nightguards feel less comfortable and have more chance of being displaced during sleep. But the smaller ones are well fitted and are generally safer.
- Fit: A poorly fitting night guard has more chance of falling out when you are sleeping.
- Sleep Position: The position of sleeping also matters, because if you are sleeping on your stomach or on your side, it will increase the risk of mouth guard.
- Sleep Disorders: If you are a longtime patient of sleep apnea and face it during sleep, there is more chance that your nightguard falls out.
Proper Fit and Usage
To minimize the risk of choking, it's crucial to ensure a proper fit and use your nightguard correctly.
- Custom-Fitted: If you are using the custom-fit nightguard that is made by a dentist, it is more stable and has a lower risk of dislodging.
- Regular Cleaning: Always keep your nightguard clean to keep them bacteria-free, because it lowers the chances of producing irritation.
- Proper Storage: Store your night guard in a case to protect it from damage and keep it clean.
- Consult Your Dentist: In case you are having confusion about choking or fitting the night guard, then visit your dentist for proper advice.
Minimizing Choking Risks
Choosing the Right Night Guard
- Custom-Fitted: Select a better night guard that is made by a dentist; it fits well in your teeth and
- Material: Choose the best material for the night guard, because some materials are best and some may cause irritation.
- Size and Shape: If you have a small and well-fitted nightguard, there is no chance of choking or displacing the guard during sleep.
Consulting a Dental Professional
- Regular Check-ups: Always try to visit your dentist for regular checkups to know about the condition of the nightguard.
- Address Concerns:
- In case you feel irritation or any chance of choking, then quickly contact your dentist.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
- Daily Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap for cleaning your night guard or get the solution recommended by a dentist.
- Storage: If you are not using your night guard, then store it in a dry and protected case to avoid any damage.
- Replacement: Replace the nightguard every 6 or 12 months otherwise, it causes irritation or becomes less effective.
Addressing Specific Concerns
Choking During Sleep
Occurring of choking on night guard during sleep is very uncommon, but it is still important to be aware of risks. Remember that a well fitted and small night guard is best because there is no chance of dislodging.
Choking While Awake
However, it is essential to handle night guards with care, mostly when removing or inserting them. Be careful when you are removing them in or out of your mouth and prevent yourself from accidental choking.
FAQs
Can a night guard cause choking?
It is very uncommon to get choked after wearing a night guard. Mostly the chances are higher when it is not properly fit or displaced during sleep. It is important to have a custom-fitted nightguard and practice oral hygiene.
Is it safe to sleep with a night guard?
Of course, using a nightguard during sleep is totally safe. But for this, you have to select a well-fitted nightguard and practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of any issues.
How often should I clean my night guard?
Dentists are especially recommended to keep your night guard clean and safe. For this purpose, you can choose a toothbrush and mild soap to clean the night guard properly. Regular cleaning helps to remove bacteria and reduce the chance of getting any infection.
How long does a night guard last?
Basically, the lifetime of a night guard depends on various factors like damage, material, and how a person uses it. Mostly, you can use it for around 6 or 12 months maximum. After this period, you have to replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
After getting the thought of choking on a night guard will be scary. It is important to remember that this is an uncommon or rare event. But when you select a well-fitting and good-quality mouthguard, the chance of choking is reduced, which improves your oral health. Keeping in contact with your dentist will help you to lower the chances of the risk and avoid problems.