Many people grind their teeth, which is also called bruxism, and they may not even know it. If you don’t get it treated, it could give you headaches, jaw pain, and even damage your teeth. Using a night guard is one of the best ways to keep your smile safe.
A night guard in Grande Prairie is a custom-made device that protects your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. It takes the pressure off of grinding and clenching, which protects your teeth and relaxes your jaw. Night guards, like all protective gear, don’t last forever, though. To keep your teeth safe, you need to know how often to change them.
Why Night Guards Wear Out
Night guards are meant to last, but using them every night will wear them down. Grinding puts constant pressure on the material, which can make it thinner, crack, or lose its shape over time.
Other things that affect how long something lasts are:
- How hard do you grind your teeth
- The kind of material used to make the night guard (soft, hard, or dual-layer)
- How well you clean and put away the night guard
Knowing when to get a new night guard and putting it on early can help keep your teeth safe.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Night Guard
When is it time to get a new night guard for teeth grinding? It can be hard to tell. Look for these clear signs:
- Cracks, tears, or holes in the guard
- Not fitting well or being uncomfortable to wear
- Stains, smells, or a buildup of bacteria
- More pain in your jaw or signs that you’re grinding your teeth
If you see any of these, you need to deal with the problem right away. If you wait too long to replace the guard, it may not work as well, and you may be more likely to have dental problems.
How Often to Replace a Night Guard
There isn’t one answer that works for everyone because people grind their teeth in different ways. But here are some general rules:
- Replace soft night guards every 6 to 12 months.
- Replace hard night guards every two to five years.
- Dual-layer guards usually fall somewhere in between
Regular visits to your dentist in Grande Prairie will help you figure out the best time to get your teeth replaced.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Night Guard
You can make night guards last longer by taking care of them properly, even though they will eventually wear out:
- Use a toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to clean it every day.
- Stay away from hot water, which can bend the guard.
- When you’re not using it, keep it in a case that lets air in.
- Don’t chew on the guard
- Take it with you to your dental appointments to make sure it still fits well.
You can get the most out of yourbest night guard for teeth grinding by following these steps.
Where to Get a Quality Night Guard
If you want to find a dental clinic near you that makes custom night guards, look for one with dentists who have a good experience fitting guards to mouths. A good fit makes a big difference in how comfortable and effective it is.
Your night guard is a great way to keep your teeth from grinding, but it won’t last forever. To keep your smile healthy, you need to know how often to replace your night guard and how to tell when it’s time to do so.
Protect Your Smile with Swanavon Dental Clinic
AtSwanavon Dental Clinic, we offer custom-fitted night guards and clear advice on how to care for them and when to replace them. Our team makes sure your guard fits well and protects your teeth every night. Do not wait until you feel pain or notice cracks. Make an appointment today to keep your smile and teeth healthy.
