Can Night Guards Ruin Your Teeth?
In most cases, night guards are an effective method for protecting the teeth and jaw from the damage caused by bruxism, but in some cases, night guards can contribute to dental damage and could even ruin your teeth. In some instances, this damage is caused by ill-fitting night guards made of cheap materials; to prevent this, see your dentist and follow their recommendations for a custom-fitted night guard. Even custom-fitted night guards can damage or ruin the teeth, though, when they are not cleaned properly. Think about it: a night guard is designed to fit snugly around each row of teeth, hugging the teeth in alignment and cushioning against the forces of jaw grinding or teeth clenching. Putting in a night guard when there is bacteria on the teeth essentially seals that bacteria to the teeth, allowing it to proliferate while you sleep. Similarly, putting in a night guard that has bacteria on its surfaces exposes the teeth to excessive bacteria. Neither scenario is optimal, and both can lead to cavities or gum disease, ultimately threatening the teeth while purportedly helping them.
Bacteria occur naturally in the oral cavity, as part of a complex and important oral microbiome, where it is fed by sugars and starches in the foods we eat. As bacteria proliferate and mix with saliva, a sticky biofilm, called plaque, develops, coating the teeth and accumulating below the gum line. This is why it’s so important to properly brush and floss the teeth regularly, ideally after meals. When plaque is allowed to build up, it hardens, calcifying and gradually turning into tartar. While plaque can be removed with regular home hygiene, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. As plaque and tartar accumulate, they can lead to loss of enamel, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay; as these conditions progress unchecked, they can lead to infections or abscesses, advanced gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
While regular oral hygiene practices, including regular professional cleanings, are crucial to maintaining oral health, it’s even more important to keep the teeth and oral tissues clean if you wear a night guard. It’s imperative to prevent plaque and food debris from being trapped between your night guard and your teeth, where bacteria can proliferate and plaque can fester, and the best way to do this is to diligently clean the teeth, the oral tissues, and the night guard as recommended by your dentist. The good news is that it’s very easy to keep your night guard clean, which helps maintain its longevity while also protecting your teeth, and requires just a few simple steps.
- Wash your night guard immediately after removing it, every time you wear it
- Let it dry thoroughly
- Store it in a protective case
Dentists recommend cleaning a night guard by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush that’s reserved expressly for the night guard, taking care to remove any plaque or debris. You can use toothpaste that doesn’t have abrasives in it, or you can use dish soap or another gentle antibacterial cleanser. After it’s clean, shake off excess moisture and let the night guard air dry on a clean surface. Once it’s completely dry, store it in the provided case. By following these few, simple steps, you can ensure that your night guard will continue to protect your teeth, reduce your discomfort, and help you enjoy a restful, peaceful night’s sleep.