How to Make the Most of Your Night Guard

Are your teeth wearing down without explanation? You could be experiencing bruxism (teeth grinding) while sleeping. 

A custom night guard can shield your teeth from grinding and prevent serious dental damage. A custom night guard because it offers more protection than a store-bought one, and you won’t need to replace it as often.

Our experienced dental team at Hendricks Dental Specialists prescribes and fits custom night guards in Brentwood, Tennessee. Your night guard won’t just prevent direct damage to your teeth. It can also prevent headaches, a sore jaw, and jaw stiffness.  

However, it’s not always easy to adjust to wearing one. Follow these helpful tips to make the most of your night guard: 

1. Adjust to wearing your night guard while awake

Having something new in your mouth can be uncomfortable at first. 

To adjust to wearing your new night guard, try wearing your night guard while you’re still awake. You can spend that time watching television, playing video games, or reading a book. Wear your night guard for around 20 minutes at a time to help your brain and muscles get used to the sensation. 

2. Watch your sleeping position

Keeping a couple of pillows under your head can help you keep your night guard in the “fitted” position so it doesn’t become uncomfortable while you sleep. If your night guard shifts at night, it can wake you up and make it challenging to stay asleep. 

Always avoid sleeping on your side because it can push the night guard out of place. 

3. Keep the night guard clean

No one wants to put a smelly, discolored piece of plastic in their mouth. Keeping your night guard clean is important to extend its life and to avoid oral health issues like tooth decay. 

Proper night guard cleaning practices include:

• Rinsing it with warm water as soon as you take it out of your mouth
• Lightly brushing it with your toothbrush (or a separate toothbrush)
• Avoiding toothpaste on the night guard (use nonabrasive dish soap)
• Allowing it to dry completely before putting it in its case
• Storing it in its case to avoid dust and bacteria

These practices should happen daily. Once a month, deep clean your night guard using a denture cleaner or a vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mixture. 

4. Bring your night guard to dental checkups

Everyone should get dental checkups and cleanings every six months. When you attend these appointments at Hendricks Dental Specialists, remember to bring your night guard. 

Our team asks about life with your night guard and gives you the opportunity to ask questions or report concerns. We also look over the night guard for signs of damage or wear. 

Let our team know right away if your night guard no longer fits comfortably, if you lose it, or if it breaks. 

Get in touch

Do you have morning headaches, jaw pain, or sore teeth? You might need a custom night guard for bruxism. Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online to learn more.