Mouthguards are mostly used at night to help people stop grinding their teeth while sleeping. But many people are curious about questions like. Is sleeping with a mouthguard dangerous? So we are here to guide you through all these confusions. In this article, we will clear up all the confusion and explain why mouthguards are usually safe.
We will cover everything you need to know about mouthguards and how they help while sleeping. After reading this guide, you will be able to understand its benefits and reasons to wear it while sleeping.
So, if you are wondering if it is okay to sleep with a mouthguard, keep reading and find out the facts.
Understanding Mouth Guards
Mouthguards are special coverings that cover your teeth to keep them safe. Most people struggle with bruxism (a condition where people grind or clench their teeth while asleep). Grinding can damage your teeth and make them hurt your jaw. They create a layer between your top and bottom teeth, stopping them from grinding each other. This can help protect your teeth and make your jaw comfortable.
Different types of mouthguards are available, and each is useful for different situations. The best are custom night guards that are specially made for patients and help them feel more comfortable while sleeping.
Types of Mouth Guards
Here are three types of mouthguards:
- Custom-Fit Mouth Guards: Made by a dentist using a mold of your teeth. They fit perfectly and are very comfortable, but they are also a bit expensive.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: You heat them up and bite them down to shape them to your teeth. They cost less than custom-fit mouthguards, but the fit might not be perfect.
- Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards: These are ready to use right out of the package. They are the cheapest option but might not work as well as custom-fit or boil-and-bite mouthguards.
Benefits of Sleeping with a Mouth Guard
Protecting Your Teeth
Wearing a mouthguard helps protect your teeth from grinding them together while you sleep. Teeth grinding can affect the outer layer of your teeth, making them sensitive and causing pain. A mouthguard is necessary if you are struggling with bruxism, as it keeps your top and bottom teeth from touching, which helps prevent this damage.
Reducing Jaw Pain
Grinding your teeth can make your jaw sore and uncomfortable. This constant grinding can cause many other side effects, like jaw muscles tensing up, leading to headaches and even pain in your ears. Using mouthguards can help reduce these side effects and give you relief from painful symptoms.
Improving Sleep Quality
Teeth grinding can disturb your sleep and make it hard to get a good rest. The grinding noise can disturb your sleep and bother others sleeping beside you. Also, the pain from grinding can disturb your sleep schedule. That’s why using a mouthguard can reduce the noise and help you sleep better.
Treating Snoring
Sometimes, grinding your teeth can lead to snoring. Grinding can make your jaw move out of place, which might block your airway and make it harder to breathe. This can cause snoring or even sleep apnea. A mouth guard can help keep your airway open and reduce snoring.
Preventing Gum Recession
Grinding your teeth can also cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. This makes the roots of your teeth exposed, which can lead to decay and infections. A mouthguard can help keep your gums healthy by preventing this recession.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Wearing a Mouth Guard
Most mouthguards are safe, but there are some things to keep in mind:
Discomfort and Irritation
At the start, you might feel uncomfortable or even hurt a little when you wear a mouthguard. It takes some time to get comfortable while wearing a mouthguard. After a while, mouthguards become more comfortable with most people.
Difficulty Adjusting
At first, it is difficult to get used to wearing a mouthguard. At the start, when you start using it, you might have trouble speaking or swallowing. After some time, as you get used to it, these problems go away.
Choking Hazard (Rare)
Always ensure that your mouth guard fits securely because, in rare cases, while sleeping, your mouth guard might come loose during sleep and could be a choking hazard. Mostly, it happens when your mouthguard doesn’t fit well or isn’t made correctly.
Preventing Choking Risks
To reduce the chance of choking:
- Choose a mouthguard that fits well. A custom-made mouthguard is usually the safest choice.
- Suppose you have breathing problems or a history of sleep apnea. Then, you have to avoid using a mouthguard.
- If you have any worries about using a mouth guard, talk to your dentist.
Reasons to Wear a Night Guard
A nightguard is a special dental tool that is used to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching, called bruxism. This can happen while you sleep. Here’s why wearing a nightguard can be helpful:
- Protecting Your Teeth: A nightguard helps to keep your top and bottom teeth from grinding together. After using this, your teeth stop getting worn down, chipped, cracked, or even falling out.
- Reducing Jaw Pain: Your jaw can be hurt by grinding teeth. A nightguard helps lessen the pressure on your jaw, making it feel better.
- Preventing Headaches: Especially in the morning, teeth grinding can cause headaches. Using a nightguard helps ease the tension in your jaw muscles and can prevent these headaches.
- Improving Sleep Quality: Due to grinding teeth, your sleep can be disturbed, and you won't rest well. A nightguard helps with this problem so you can sleep better.
- Preventing TMJ Disorder: TMJ disorder affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Bruxism can lead to this condition, and a night guard can help prevent or manage its symptoms.
- Reducing Snoring: Sometimes, teeth grinding can make you snore. A nightguard can help to reduce snoring.
If you have any of these issues, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist about getting a night guard:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Headaches
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Worn-down teeth
- Earaches
- Facial pain
Wearing a nightguard can help protect your teeth, improve your dental health, and give you a better night’s sleep.
Is Sleeping with a Mouth Guard Safe?
Yes, it is usually safe to wear a mouthguard while sleeping. If you are facing problems like grinding your teeth, jaw pain, or other dental problems, then a mouthguard can be very beneficial for you. You might initially feel uncomfortable while wearing it, but it becomes comfortable after some time. Talk to your dentist if you have any worries, and always ensure that you get a mouth guard that fits well.