How to Use and Care for Your Dental Night Guard

Night guards are commonly recommended by dentists to help protect teeth from damage caused by clenching and grinding. When worn consistently and cared for properly, a night guard can reduce wear on teeth and may help relieve muscle tenderness associated with overnight clenching.

At Bow River Dental Centre Cochrane, patients are provided with clear, practical instructions to ensure their night guard fits comfortably and functions as intended. Following these guidelines is an important part of protecting your oral health and getting the most value from your night guard.

In this article, your Cochrane dentist outlines how to properly insert, wear, clean, and store a night guard. This information is intended to help patients feel confident using their night guard as part of their regular dental care routine.

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What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom dental appliance designed to be worn while you sleep. It fits over your teeth and acts as a protective barrier to reduce the impact of clenching and grinding that can occur overnight.

Night guards are commonly recommended by a dentist for patients who show signs of tooth wear or experience muscle tenderness related to clenching and grinding. By providing a layer of protection between the upper and lower teeth, a night guard helps minimize unnecessary stress on teeth and surrounding muscles.

Because a night guard is designed specifically for your bite, proper use and care are important. Following the instructions provided by Bow River Dental Centre Cochrane helps ensure the appliance fits comfortably and performs as intended over time.

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How a Night Guard Helps Protect Your Teeth

Clenching and grinding can place repeated pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles, often without patients realizing it. Over time, this pressure may contribute to tooth wear and muscle tenderness.

A night guard helps protect your teeth by creating a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. This reduces direct contact and helps limit damage caused by grinding and clenching. In addition to protecting tooth surfaces, wearing a night guard as recommended can also help relieve muscle tenderness associated with these habits.

Using your night guard consistently and as instructed by your Cochrane dentist is an important step in protecting your smile and maintaining long-term oral health.

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Night Guard Instructions from Your Cochrane Dentist

To ensure your night guard fits comfortably and provides proper protection, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by Bow River Dental Centre Cochrane. The steps below outline how to insert, wear, and remove your night guard correctly.

Before Insertion

Before placing your night guard, brush and floss your teeth. This helps keep both your teeth and the appliance clean before use.

Softening the Night Guard

Run your night guard under warm water for approximately 30 seconds. This softens the material slightly, making it easier and more comfortable to insert.

Inserting Your Night Guard

Using your fingers, gently guide the night guard into place over your teeth. Once positioned, gently close your teeth to ensure the night guard is fully seated.

Wearing Your Night Guard

Wear your night guard every night as recommended. If wearing it all night feels difficult at first, you may begin by wearing it for a few hours each night and gradually increase the duration as you adjust.

Removing Your Night Guard

To remove the night guard, use your thumb and forefinger to grasp it and gently pull it away from your teeth.

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How to Clean and Store Your Night Guard Properly

Proper cleaning and storage help maintain the condition of your night guard and ensure it remains comfortable to wear.

After each use, rinse your night guard thoroughly with water. Using a soft toothbrush, gently brush the appliance to remove any debris. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and may damage the material.

Once a week, your night guard can be cleaned using a denture cleaning tablet. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the night guard to soak for the recommended time only.

When not in use, store your night guard in its provided case. Keep it away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and pets, as these can cause warping or damage.

If you notice any changes in fit, wear, or comfort, bring your night guard with you to your next appointment so your Cochrane dentist can review it.

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Bringing Your Night Guard to Dental Appointments

If you wear a night guard, it’s important to bring it with you to your dental appointments. This allows your Cochrane dentist to check the fit, condition, and overall wear of the appliance over time.

Your night guard may also need to be evaluated before certain dental treatments, such as fillings or crowns. Bringing it to your appointment helps ensure it continues to fit properly following dental work and functions as intended.

If you notice cracking, changes in fit, discomfort, or difficulty wearing your night guard, these are good reasons to have it checked. Addressing issues early can help extend the life of the appliance and maintain comfort.

While many patients adjust to wearing a night guard quickly, it’s normal to have questions or concerns, especially during the initial adjustment period. You should speak with your dentist if:

• Your night guard feels uncomfortable or no longer fits properly
• You experience ongoing difficulty wearing it
• The appliance shows signs of damage or excessive wear
• You have questions about cleaning or care

Your Cochrane dentist can provide guidance and ensure your night guard continues to support your oral health effectively.

At Bow River Dental Centre Cochrane, patient education is an important part of preventive dental care. The night guard instructions provided by the clinic are designed to help patients protect their teeth and maintain comfort while sleeping.

Following these guidelines, wearing your night guard consistently, and bringing it to your regular dental visits can help ensure it continues to perform as intended. If you have questions about your night guard, the Bow River dental team is always happy to review it during your appointment.

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