Herbie Murray
Mouth guards are dental appliances that can be used to treat conditions like teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and snoring. They can be store-bought or custom-made by a dentist. While store-bought mouth guards are cheaper, custom-made mouth guards are more comfortable and effective in protecting against teeth grinding and sports-related injuries. When using a mouth guard for sleeping, it is important to ensure that it is crafted for your specific symptoms and fits properly. Here are some tips to help you sleep comfortably with a mouth guard: make sure to wear it throughout the night, avoid sleeping on your side, and maintain good oral hygiene by cleaning your mouth guard regularly.
Characteristics and Values of Using a Mouth Guard for Sleeping
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To treat teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and sports-related injuries |
| Types | Store-bought (stock or boil-and-bite) or custom-made by a dentist |
| Custom-made process | Dental impressions taken using putty or a digital wand, sent to a lab |
| Custom-made benefits | More comfortable, effective protection, longer-lasting |
| Cleaning | Rinse with cold water, scrub with toothbrush, disinfect with bleach and water solution |
| Cleaning precautions | Avoid hot water, microwaves, dishwashers, alcohol, and mouthwash |
| Sleeping position | Avoid sleeping on your side to prevent discomfort and dislodging |
| Sleep duration | Wear for around 8 hours, or as recommended by a healthcare provider |
| Replacement | Replace as per the recommended schedule, typically 1 to 5 years |
| Comfort | Choose a good-quality mouth guard for maximum comfort |
| Symptoms | Excess saliva, dry mouth, and soreness in the jaw or facial muscles |
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What You'll Learn
How to choose the right mouth guard
Mouth guards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and can be recommended for a variety of reasons. When choosing the right mouth guard, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a mouth guard for sleeping:
Consult a Dentist
Before choosing a mouth guard, it is advisable to consult a dentist, especially if you suspect you have bruxism (teeth grinding) or other dental issues. Dentists can evaluate your specific needs and recommend or create a custom mouth guard that fits your dental anatomy. They can also advise on the appropriate type of mouth guard for your condition.
Type of Mouth Guard
There are two main types of mouth guards available: store-bought and custom-made. Store-bought mouth guards include stock mouth guards, which are ready to wear out of the box, and boil-and-bite mouth guards, which can be customised at home. Custom-made mouth guards, on the other hand, are crafted by a dentist to fit your unique dental structure. Custom-made mouth guards tend to be more comfortable and effective, especially for addressing specific conditions like bruxism or sleep apnea.
Thickness and Comfort
The thickness of a mouth guard can impact its comfort and effectiveness. Thicker guards offer more protection against grinding but may feel bulkier in the mouth. It is important to select a thickness that strikes a balance between comfort and protection. Some mouth guards also come with different-size trays or multiple thickness options to enhance comfort.
Breathing Holes
If you are concerned about breathing comfortably while wearing a mouth guard, look for one that features breathing holes or perforations. These holes improve airflow during sleep, ensuring you can breathe easily with the mouth guard in place.
Ease of Cleaning
Hygiene is crucial to prevent bacterial growth on your mouth guard. Opt for a mouth guard that is easy to clean with mild soap and water or a designated cleaning solution. Proper cleaning will help maintain the longevity and safety of your mouth guard.
Durability and Warranty
Consider the durability of the mouth guard, especially if you grind your teeth heavily. Choose a product that is designed to withstand frequent use and look for options that offer a warranty or guarantee. This ensures you can get a replacement if the mouth guard becomes damaged or unsatisfactory.
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Cleaning and maintenance
Keeping your mouthguard clean is important. Without regular cleaning, bacteria in your mouth can multiply on your mouthguard, leading to infections or bad breath.
Daily Cleaning
After each use, rinse your mouthguard with warm water to remove debris and prevent plaque buildup. Then, gently brush your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse the mouthguard with cool water again to remove any remaining toothpaste. Finally, let the mouthguard air dry.
Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, you can use vinegar, mouthwash, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. Soak your mouthguard in vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse it with cool water. Repeat this process with hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, you can add a capful of mouthwash to a glass of water and soak your mouthguard for 30 minutes. You can also create a paste with equal parts baking soda and water, dip your toothbrush into the paste, and gently brush your mouthguard before rinsing it with cool water.
If you want to use a soap-based solution, use a mild, alcohol-free soap to avoid damaging your mouthguard. Rinse your mouthguard with cool water, apply a small amount of soap, and gently brush it with a toothbrush. Rinse off the soap and let the mouthguard air dry.
Over-the-counter (OTC) non-abrasive denture cleaners can also be used for deep cleaning. Soak your mouthguard in water and follow the product's instructions.
Storage
After cleaning, store your mouthguard in a protective case to keep it clean and safe. Ensure that you also clean your storage case regularly.
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Sleeping positions
Sleeping with a mouthguard can be challenging due to the foreign object in your mouth. It is important to be aware of your regular bedtime habits and make adjustments to accommodate the mouthguard. For example, placing the night guard in position at least half an hour before lying down allows your mouth to adjust to the new accessory. This can help you fall asleep faster and prevent tossing and turning.
It is also recommended to sleep with your head elevated, as this helps keep your mouth in the "fitted" position. Sleeping on your side should be avoided as the pressure from the bed can push the night guard out of place, causing discomfort. Additionally, it is suggested to wear a custom-made mouthguard that fits your mouth perfectly, as this will be more comfortable and effective in addressing issues such as teeth grinding or sleep apnea.
When inserting and removing the mouthguard, ensure you are in an upright position to prevent inserting it at an angle, which can cause pinching and discomfort during sleep. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene by cleaning your mouthguard regularly and brushing your teeth before use to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
While sleeping with a mouthguard may take some time to adjust to, it is beneficial for protecting your teeth and addressing issues such as teeth grinding, clenching, and sleep apnea. It is important to be patient and persistent, as it may take at least 30 nights to get used to wearing a mouthguard.
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Adjusting to a mouth guard
Mouth guards are an effective way to reduce the damage from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, and to treat sleep apnea. However, it can take time to adjust to sleeping with a mouth guard. Here are some tips to help you adjust to a mouth guard for sleeping:
Choose the Right Mouth Guard
The right mouth guard can make a big difference in how quickly you adjust to it. Custom-made mouth guards from your dentist are the most comfortable and effective option, as they are crafted to fit your exact dental anatomy. However, they can be expensive. If you opt for a store-bought mouth guard, choose one made of a thin, flexible material that will be more comfortable to sleep in. Avoid sports mouth guards, as they are typically made from thick, rigid material and are not suitable for sleeping.
Practice Wearing It
Start by wearing the mouth guard for short periods during the day. Wear it while you watch TV, read, or do other activities before bedtime. This helps your mouth and tongue get used to the feel of the guard and makes it easier to fall asleep with it in place.
Ensure a Proper Fit
The fit of your mouth guard is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. If your mouth guard doesn't fit properly, it can cause soreness in your teeth, gums, or jaw. Work with your dentist to ensure a proper fit, and follow up with them if you experience any discomfort or side effects from wearing the guard.
Keep It Clean
Brush your teeth and your mouth guard regularly to keep them free of bacteria. A proper cleaning routine will help prevent foul odours and mould from developing on your mouth guard, ensuring a more pleasant sleeping experience.
Be Patient
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When to replace a mouth guard
The lifespan of a mouth guard depends on several factors, such as the material used, the quality of the guard, and how well you take care of it. Custom-made mouth guards typically last longer than store-bought options, with an average lifespan of 2 to 5 years. However, store-bought mouth guards may need to be replaced a few times a year due to their lower quality materials.
- Significant discolouration or odour: Natural bacteria and calcium in your saliva can cause discolouration and odour over time. While a simple cleaning routine and fizzy cleaning tablets can help prolong the life of your mouth guard, significant discolouration or a persistent bad odour may signal the need for a replacement.
- Cracks, tears, or holes: While minor cracks are normal and indicate that your mouth guard is protecting your teeth, larger cracks, tears, or holes can affect the effectiveness of the guard and may cause irritation to your mouth.
- Poor fit: If your mouth guard no longer fits snugly or feels like it's loosening, it may not be providing adequate protection. Teeth naturally shift over time, so a guard that once fit well may need to be replaced if it no longer feels secure.
- Ineffectiveness: If you notice that your mouth guard is no longer protecting your teeth from grinding damage, it's time to replace it. This may be due to changes in your teeth or jaw, or because the guard has worn down over time.
It's important to regularly inspect your mouth guard for signs of wear and tear and bring it to your dental check-ups so that your dentist can also evaluate its condition. They will be able to advise you on whether it's time to replace your mouth guard and ensure that it is still effective for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Mouth guards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and protect them from damage. They are often used to treat teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and snoring.
Mouth guards can be store-bought or custom-made by a dentist. Store-bought guards are cheaper but less effective and durable. Custom-made mouth guards are crafted to fit your exact dental anatomy and are more comfortable and protective.
If you are using a mouth guard to treat sleep apnea or teeth grinding, it is recommended to wear it every night for around 8 hours. It is important to keep the mouth guard in your mouth all night and avoid taking it out until you are ready to clean it.
Rinse the mouth guard with cold water and gently scrub it with a toothbrush daily. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. To disinfect the mouth guard, soak it in a cup of water with a teaspoon of bleach for five minutes, then rinse with cold water.
To get a custom-made mouth guard, you will need to visit a dentist. They will take dental impressions of your teeth using dental putty or a digital handheld wand. These impressions will then be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will fabricate a mouth guard specifically designed for your teeth.
