Night Guard Our dentists at Dental Expressions recommend wearing a mouthguard while sleeping if at night you suffer from grinding or clenching your teeth. Mouthguards offer removable coverings that can protect your teeth if you have a sleep condition. BruxismBruxism is a disorder that causes grinding and clenching of the teeth during your sleep. This condition can cause problems such as jaw pain, tooth pain, and sore gums. If you continue to grind your teeth without a mouthguard, it will wear them down. Tooth enamel cannot be rebuilt therefore it is important to preserve it. If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, you should wear a mouthguard at night to protect your enamel from wearing down. Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a disorder that may cause you to decide to wear a mouthguard at night. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to temporarily stop breathing while you sleep. This means that your brain will not receive enough oxygen and increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Using a CPAP assists you with sleep apnea by opening up your airways while you sleep. Mouthguards can provide a similar effect if you wear one while you sleep. If you stop breathing during your sleep, you should wear a mouthguard at night to keep your mouth and airways open. Mouthguards Help Your SleepThere are three types of mouthguards: custom, stock, and boil and bite. Stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are available for you to purchase at a drug store and come ready to wear. However, we do not recommend using these mouthguards especially if you are using them as a nightguard because they are ill-fitting. If you are using a mouthguard to help with your sleep apnea, stock and boil and bite mouthguards will not help, you will need a mouthguard with a strap that will be able to adjust your jaw. Your mouthguard should push your lower jaw and tongue forward so that your airway can be kept open while you sleep. An effective mouthguard will be custom-made by our dentist out of acrylic or plastic material. Mouthguard Care Is EasyYou will take care of your mouthguard similar to how you can do for your teeth daily. Before and after using your mouthguard, rinse it with cold water and wash it with soap while brushing it with a toothbrush. When you are not wearing your mouthguard, store it in a hard perforated container. This kind of case will keep bacteria from growing on your mouthguard by permitting air circulation. High temperatures may cause your mouthguard to warp, so keep it away from high temperatures, hot water, and hot surfaces. When your mouthguard becomes loose, you need to replace it so that it can continue to work for you. Achieve Better Sleep with A MouthguardIf you need to wear a mouthguard at night to help you sleep, let our experienced dentists at Dental Expressions be your trusted care provider. Call us now and consult with a dental professional by dialing (971) 353-4448 . |
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