Addressing Common Concerns When Wearing a Night Guard

Stress, orthodontic issues, and other factors may lead to your grinding and clenching your teeth during your sleep, a condition known as bruxism. In turn, you may experience jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or even cracked or chipped teeth, all of which pose serious threats to the long-term health, function, and beauty of your smile.

Nearly nine percent of the general population experiences bruxism, making it a relatively common oral health issue. If you notice any of its symptoms, ask your dentist about bruxism and whether a custom night guard is right for you. These simple mouthguards provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth to prevent wear and damage.

However, though they are meant to provide a simple and effective solution to the effects of bruxism, some patients may experience issues with night guards. Below are some of the common problems these appliances can present and what you can do to prevent them:

Excessive Saliva

Excessive salivation is one of the most commonly reported issues that patients experience while wearing a night guard, especially when first adjusting to doing so. While harmless, it is still certainly an unwelcome issue that many find distracting and annoying while trying to sleep.

When it comes to the initial adjustment period, the best advice is simply to wait out the situation. You’ll adapt to wearing a night guard soon enough and can leave the problem behind you. Breathing through your nose often helps reduce excess salivation as well.

Sensitive Gag Reflex

Patients with a sensitive gag reflex may find that their night guard can trigger it, leading to unpleasant sensations at times and difficulty keeping the mouthguard in its proper position.

Thankfully, this sensitivity is another issue that is more prominent during the initial adjustment period and tends to fade with time. Wearing the night guard for short periods to adjust might help. But if the issue persists, talk to your dentist, as they may be able to provide alternative solutions.

Jaw Soreness

Some patients experience jaw pain related to their night guards, especially just upon waking. While the night guard protects their teeth, they may still have significant jaw movement that leads to strain and soreness.

Some simple jaw stretches in the morning go a long way to relieve strain and provide relief. Applying a warm compress to the area may also help. If the issue persists, talk to your dentist, as you may need adjustments to your custom night guard to improve your comfort.

Poor Fit

You might have noticed that night guards are sometimes available over the counter. Before you purchase one, it’s important to recognize that these one-size-fits-all solutions often cause more issues than they solve. That is even true of those that claim to provide some flexibility, such as boil-and-bite guards.

The only way to ensure a proper fit is to get a custom night guard from your dentist that best suits your mouth. These are tailored to fit your smile perfectly and provide maximum protection while keeping you comfortable and avoiding any unnecessary jaw strain.

Breathing Difficulties

Difficulty breathing is another potential issue that some patients experience. In most cases, it arises due to choosing over-the-counter night guards instead of custom solutions. They may not have the proper shape, leading to airflow restriction.

Even with a custom night guard, though, breathing difficulties are more common during the initial adjustment period, with breathing coming more naturally later on. If you experience difficulty breathing with a custom mouthguard, try breathing through your nose. It may take some adjustment, but it will provide a better experience overall.

If you notice that the problem lasts, talk to your dentist. They may be able to provide a thinner night guard that causes less obstruction or explore other design options with you.

Sensitive Teeth

Some materials used for one-size-fits-all night guards may lead to increased tooth sensitivity. A high-quality custom night guard from your dentist shouldn’t cause tooth sensitivity in most cases.

Still, if you do experience sensitivity, bring it up to your dentist during a follow-up visit. They may provide a night guard made of a softer material that lessens the pressure on your teeth.

In other cases, a desensitizing toothpaste may be effective to achieve relief. Your dentist can also identify other potential causes of sensitivity, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Get the Right Dental Night Guard for Your Needs

Many of these challenges are overcome by ensuring that you have a high-quality night guard that is properly fitted to your mouth. At Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists, Dr. Brett Langston provides custom night guards tailored to suit your individual needs. Schedule an appointment today to find out whether a night guard is the solution for your smile.