If you grind or clench your teeth at night, then a night guard could be the solution you need to not only protect your teeth but also your jaw. For those seeking night guards in Vancouver, they often require them to avoid enamel wear and TMJ disorders. But, as great as they are, there are some side effects that users may experience.
In this blog, we will discuss the most common problems that occur with night guards and how to deal with them.
1. Initial Discomfort and Irritation
Using a nightguard for the first time can be a bit uncomfortable. Your mouth will be tender for a while, and some users may feel some discomfort.
- Why it happens: It can be uncomfortable to have anything foreign in the mouth.
- Symptoms: Some gum or tooth soreness; pressure on the teeth can be quite slight.
- Duration: Lasts usually for a few days to a couple of weeks.
Solution: You should try using it for brief amounts of time at first and then try to extend the use. If the irritation doesn’t go away, it might be worth visiting the dentist to rule out misfitting appliances.
2. Inadequate Fit Causing Pain or Pressure
A poorly fitting night guard can cause unnecessary pain rather than relief. This is a frequent issue with generic, over-the-counter guards.
- Why it occurs: Asymmetrical pressure on some teeth from a poorly fitting guard.
- Symptoms: pain in particular areas, trouble keeping the guard in place.
- Duration: If painful, it can result in long-term discomfort.
Solution: If you want night guards near you, spend money on a professionally designed one to achieve an accurate and comfortable fit.
3. Teeth Shifting
In some cases, a night guard can exert uneven pressure on teeth, leading to minor shifting.
- Why it happens: A poorly designed guard doesn’t distribute pressure evenly.
- Symptoms: Changes in your bite, slight misalignment.
- Duration: Can be permanent if not corrected quickly.
Solution: If you notice any changes in your teeth alignment, stop using the guard and consult your dentist about a better night guard for teeth that suits you.
4. Excessive Salivation
A night guard will make you salivate more than usual when you first start using it.
- Why it happens: The body has a higher tendency to produce saliva when it detects the guard as a foreign object.
- Symptoms: having to swallow too much, drooling during sleep.
- Duration: Usually disappears as your mouth gets used to it.
Solution: Let your body adapt to it. If it persists, then try a thinner custom night guard that is not so annoying in your mouth.
5. Dry Mouth
Some people have dry mouth instead of excessive salivation.
- Why it happens: The night guard may reduce the saliva flow to some extent, which may result in dryness.
- Symptoms: Having a dry, sticky mouth when waking up.
- Duration: If not treated, it may continue for a long time.
Solution: Stay hydrated, use a humidifier in your bedroom, and visit your dentist to get an alternative material nightguard that does not restrict saliva flow.
6. Gag Reflex Activation
For most people, a solid gag reflex is what you get when you put in a night guard.
- Why it happens: A bulky or improperly sized mouthguard can also get your gag reflex.
- Symptoms: Nausea and the feeling of choking that occurs when the guard is slipped in.
- Duration: The length that changes from person to person.
Solution: Try out a smaller, more softly designed guard and regularly inset that at night by tearing off shallow layers of teeth to reach the back of the throat.
7. Allergic Reactions
Negative side effects are quite rare, but some people may be allergic to the materials used in night guards.
- Why it happens: An allergy to the plastic or latex material.
- Symptoms: itching, swelling of the gum, redness.
- Duration: Symptoms will last as long as you are exposed to the cause.
Solution: You should try hypoallergenic versions and ask your dentist for suggestions on other materials.
8. Jaw Pain and TMJ Problems
A night guard is supposed to ease jaw pain, but a bad one can worsen it.
- Why it happens: A bad fit of the guard can lead to jaw muscle and joint tension.
- Symptoms: jaw pain, jaw stiffness, clicking or popping of the TMJ area.
- Duration: If untreated, it can become a chronic issue.
Solution: A good nightguard made by a professional can also prevent these problems and give relief.
Right Solution for Your Comfort-City Square Dental Center
Your teeth can be effectively protected from bruxism with nightguards, but it’s important to choose the proper fit to prevent discomfort. If you’re trying to find night guards in your area, a professional consultation might be quite beneficial.
Our dentist in Vancouver, at City Square Dental Centre, provides high-quality, unique nightguard solutions to ensure optimal comfort and protection. Our expert team is dedicated to your dental health, giving individualized solutions adapted to your needs.
Call us today!