Can a Night Guard Hurt Your Teeth?
Are you suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism and considering investing in a dental night guard? You may have several questions, ranging from potential side effects, the associated dental codes in Canada, how to clean your dental night guard, and the overall cost. This comprehensive blog will answer all your queries, providing you with in-depth knowledge and tips on dental night guards.
Understanding Dental Night Guards and Their Benefits
Dental night guards are custom-made devices that dentists typically recommend to patients suffering from bruxism. A night guard, also referred to as a bruxism mouth guard or a teeth protector, is a common tool used to protect your teeth while you are sleeping. Wearing a dental night guard while sleeping can prevent the damage caused by clenching and grinding your teeth. They provide a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth, thus preventing the wear and tear associated with these conditions.
Many individuals ask, ‘Why do I grind my teeth at night?’ and experience oral issues due to nocturnal grinding, which can lead to numerous oral consequences including tooth sensitivity, broken or chipped teeth, pain, and much more. A night guard, which even acts as a “teeth protector for eating, is a simple and effective TMJ pain treatment but only with the help of a medical professional.
Can a Night Guard Hurt My Teeth?
Night guards, or mouth guards, are small trays that you place on your teeth as you sleep. These trays provide a protective barrier to prevent damage from occurring to your teeth. When you wear night guards, they should not cause any pain. When you first begin wearing the device, you may notice it in your mouth. However, after some time, you should barely notice it at all. If you do experience pain or your mouth is hurting after wearing a night guard, this could be a poorly fitted dental night guard side effect. The device may be too large or too small and is not providing the adequate protection that you desire and need. In this situation, it is best to visit a TMJ clinic to get properly fitted night guard for TMJ or bruxism.
Types of Night Guards Available
There are several types of night guards available, including mouth guards and night guards for TMJ, and you must choose the best one for your needs.
• Custom Dental Night Guard
Custom dental night guards should be your first choice when seeking TMJ treatment. You will visit a TMJ clinic to be professionally fitted for the guard. A mold will be made of your teeth which will then be used to create a custom-fitted guard. These devices are extremely durable and made of high-quality materials. However, they can be an expensive TMJ pain treatment option.
• Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards
When you visit a local retail store, you may see their wide selection of mouthguards. These may be tempting due to the low price tag. There are also many options to consider including products that you boil and place in your mouth. These items will mold around your teeth, helping to create a better fit. You may also choose very generic products that cushion your teeth and provide minimal protection and relief. However, an over-the-counter bruxism mouth guard may come with more side effects compared to a custom-fitted one.
If you are considering an over-the-counter mouth guard for sleeping, discuss the product with your dentist to ensure it is an adequate TMJ treatment option for your specific situation.
Dental Night Guards Side Effects
Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of dental night guard side effects.. If you’re ever thinking “My night guard hurts my jaw” immediately contact your dentist to resolve the issue. Since your night guard is meant to resolve your jaw pain and treat your TMJ, if there is significantly increased pain or stiffness reach out to get the problem addressed. Dental night guard side effects should not be severely impacting your life. While there may be some stiffness or soreness as your jaw adjusts, if there is any sharp pain or bleeding in emergency situations contact your dentist immediately. An over-the-counter mouth guard may have an increased risk of side effects, so be prepared to change to a custom night guard if over-the-counter is causing discomfort.
How to Clean Your Dental Night Guard
Keeping your dental night guard clean is crucial to maintain its effectiveness and longevity. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or dish soap to gently clean the guard. Avoid using hot water as it could warp the material. Once clean, thoroughly dry it before storing it in a case. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and plaque, ensuring that your dental night guard remains safe for use.
Dental Night Guard Cost
The cost of dental night guards can vary, typically ranging from $300 to $800 in Canada. The price is influenced by various factors, including the complexity of the guard, the dental clinic, and the geographical location. While this may seem steep compared to store-bought options, remember that investing in a custom dental night guard could save you the cost of potential dental repairs in the future due to untreated bruxism.
To sum it up, dental night guards are an effective solution for preventing damage from teeth grinding or clenching. Despite potential minor side effects and the cost, the protective and long-term benefits they offer make them a worthwhile investment for those suffering from bruxism.
Night Guard Dental Code Canada
The Canadian Dental Association has an established system for dental procedure codes, which can be quite overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with it. The specific code for a dental night guard usually falls under the category of prosthodontics procedures (removable). When discussing with your dentist or dealing with insurance companies, be sure to understand the correct codes associated with dental night guards. For detailed code information, consider visiting the Canadian Dental Association’s website or consulting with your dentist.
If you want to protect your teeth and provide some relief from TMJ pain, a night guard is an excellent solution and is available at a local TMJ clinic. For more information about TMJ pain, treatments, and night guard options, give us a call at Markham 7 Dental today.
