Can Night Guards Ruin Your Teeth?
A night guard properly fitted should not ruin your teeth. But if it is poorly fitted, dirty, or not cleaned regularly, it can indeed contribute to tooth decay, gum irritation, and even minor bite changes from uneven pressure on your teeth. Night guards are terrific for protecting your teeth from grinding and clenching, yet they can sometimes come with small side effects, especially when you are just beginning. Most of these issues are quite minor and tend to subside as you get used to wearing your night guard.
Some Common Night Guard Issues
Here are some common side effects, what causes them, how it may feel to you, and some suggestions to make wearing your night guard more comfortable.
Minor Discomfort and Irritation
You may experience some minor discomfort or irritation when you first start using your night guard, and it simply may take some getting used to. You have been accustomed to sleeping without a night guard your entire life, so it only makes sense that it might feel strange at first.
- Why does it happen- Initial discomfort is quite common as your mouth adjusts to wearing the guard.
- How it feels- Mild soreness can be in your gums, teeth, or jaw, along with a feeling of pressure.
- Duration- Usually this is short-term, lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks. Persistent discomfort can indicate the need for an adjustment with a dental visit.
Poor Fit That Causes Pain, Pressure, or Soreness
When you purchase an over-the-counter night guard or if you use a custom night guard that is not fitted properly, you can experience pain. It is important not to neglect this pain. If your night guard is not fitting correctly, you will want to take care of it before it leads to bigger problems like shifting teeth or jaw misalignment.
- Why does it happen- A poorly fitted dental guard can place uneven pressure on your teeth, affecting your bite alignment over time.
- How it feels- You may feel subtle changes in how your teeth align, especially we you wake up, and it may include jaw tension.
- Duration- If the fit is corrected promptly this is often short-term, but prolonged use of an ill-fitting night guard can lead to more lasting issues.
Shifting Teeth
When you have a night guard that is not properly fitted, you can experience teeth shifting.
- Why does it happen- If a night guard does not fit your mouth properly, it can put uneven pressure on some teeth, leading to slight shifting. This unwanted stress will affect the alignment of your bite and can even worsen TMJ, temporomandibular joint, issues, causing discomfort in your jaw.
- How it feels- Teeth shifting can feel like the soreness experienced after wearing braces. You might notice sensitivity in certain teeth or feel like your bite alignment is slightly off when you wake up.
- Duration- Shifting is a long-term risk if left untreated and is not something you experience with a properly fitting night guard.
Potential Issues that can Contribute to Ruining Your Teeth
Here are a few possible issues with a poorly fitted or neglected night guard that can indeed contribute to ruining your teeth:
- Increased risk of cavities- Bacteria will accumulate on a dirty night guard, leading to decay if not cleaned properly.
- Gum irritation- An ill-fitting night guard can irritate your gums, causing discomfort and inflammation.
- Bite misalignment- A poorly fitted night guard can slightly shift your teeth over time.