Mouthguards play a big role in protecting your teeth during sleep time. In case you face clenching or grinding, a mouthguard is the best option to save the teeth from damage. The use of a nightguard during night time is easy and common, but it's important to use it in the right way.
In this article, we will discuss the mouthguard and how you can wear it. You can also learn some tips for choosing the best mouthguard, cleaning it, and maintaining its good condition.
After following the given steps, it becomes simple for you to protect your teeth and enjoy a better sleep.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Making the best choice for a mouthguard is necessary because its good quality provides better protection and comfortability. There are two types of mouthguards:
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: The following types of mouthguards are affordable and will always be available. Before wearing, they need boiling and biting to adjust in your teeth. But boil and bite mouthguards do not provide the same level of protection as others can provide.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Custom mouthguards are recommended by dentists for teeth problems. They can provide excellent protection and comfort, and you can use them easily. But they are a bit more expensive than other mouthguards.
How to Wear a Night Guard?
It is very important to wear a mouthguard when you are sleeping, and it helps improve your oral health and protects your teeth from damage. Especially when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. The best thing is that they can protect the teeth from any damage and be the reason for reduced headaches.
Preparing Your Mouthguard
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:
- Boil the mouthguard in water for the recommended time.
- Let it cool slightly before putting it in your mouth.
- Once cool, bite down gently on the mouthguard to mold it to your teeth.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:
- Ensure the mouthguard is clean and dry.
- No preparation is typically needed for custom-fitted mouthguards.
Inserting the Mouthguard
- Open Wide: Open the mouth as wide as possible to provide gib space for the mouthguard.
- Insert Slowly: Slowly insert the mouthguard from the front teeth.
- Bite Down: Bite it gently to adjust in your teeth properly, and make sure that the mouthguard fits in a good way.
Adjusting the Fit
- Check the Bite: Always make sure that the mouthguard does not interfere while biting. If it is not adjusted properly, it causes discomfort and reduces its working.
- Adjust as Needed: In case the mouthguard feels tight or loose, try to fit it. You have to bite tightly or softer to adjust it in a better way.
- Breathe Easy: Give surety that when you wear a mouthguard, it does not affect the breathing process. It did not block the airway.
Tips for Sleeping with a Mouthguard
Adjusting to a mouthguard might take some time, but these tips can help you sleep comfortably:
- Gradual Introduction: Wear a mouthguard for short periods of time during the day to adjust the sensation.
- Proper Fit: Make sure that it fits properly. If the mouthguard is well-fitted, it provides more comfort and effectiveness.
- Clean Regularly: If you wear the mouthguard, it's important to wash it perfectly with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Store Properly: Keep your mouthguard in a clean, dry case to prevent bacteria growth.
- Be Patient:
- Get some time because mouthguard adjustment takes a few weeks. Don't take any tension if you experience discomfort or irritation at the start.
- Consult Your Dentist: If you continue to have issues, consult your dentist for advice and potential adjustments.
Why Wear a Mouthguard at Night?
Wearing a mouthguard at night can significantly improve your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Protects Your Teeth: While grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw during sleep, a mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from any damage.
- Reduces Headaches and Jaw Pain: If you face teeth grinding, it causes tension in the jaw muscles, which results in headaches or facial pain. But mouthgaurds can help with all these issues.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Having a disturbance in your sleep schedule will have a negative effect on your health. If you want to reduce these side effects, then wear a mouthguard continuously and get refreshed and relaxed.
- Prevents Snoring: Mostly, teeth grinding leads to snoring. By reducing jaw tension, a mouthguard may help protect from snoring and improve sleep quality.
FAQs
How often should I replace my mouthguard?
The normal mouthguard use period is around 6 to 12 months or earlier if it becomes damaged. If you change it regularly, it provides better protection and comfort.
Can I wear a mouthguard if I don't grind my teeth?
Mouthguards are specially made for teeth damage and are used to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. They can also be beneficial for players to protect their teeth.
Can a mouthguard affect my speech?
Many people face slight speech problems when they use mouthguards for the first time. However, with some practice, it feels comfortable to wear a mouthguard, which also gets rid of speech issues.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Of course, you can wear a mouthguard with braces. In this case, a mouthguard can protect your braces and teeth from any damage caused by teeth grinding. Contact your dentist for this issue, and he will recommend the best mouthguard option according to your needs.
Can I eat or drink with a mouthguard in?
There is no recommendation that says to eat or drink while wearing a mouthguard. Because it can damage your mouthguard and produce bacteria, always remove your mouthguard while eating or drinking.
Conclusion
If you wear a mouthguard at night, it will significantly increase your oral health and is the best step for your teeth protection. This is the easiest way to protect your teeth from damage, reduce jaw pain and headaches, and improve sleep quality.