Night guards are a common dental appliance used to protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. But beyond shielding your teeth, many wonder if night guards can also help protect your gums. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we recognize the connection between night-time dental habits and overall gum health. This blog explores how night guards work, their impact on gums, and how they can contribute to maintaining healthy gums and preventing damage.
What Are Night Guards?
Night guards, also called occlusal guards or bite splints, are custom-made devices worn over your teeth while you sleep. Their primary purpose is to prevent damage caused by bruxism—unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth.
How Bruxism Affects Gums
Bruxism doesnÂ’t just wear down tooth enamel; it can also harm your gums by:
Increasing Gum Recession: Excessive pressure from grinding can cause gums to pull away from teeth.
Causing Gum Inflammation: The trauma from constant clenching irritates gum tissue, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Loosening Teeth: Over time, bruxism can weaken the structures supporting your teeth, including gums and bone.
How Night Guards Protect Gums
By cushioning your teeth and distributing biting forces evenly, night guards help reduce the impact of grinding and clenching. This protection benefits gums by:
Reducing Pressure: Night guards absorb forces that would otherwise stress gums and supporting tissues.
Preventing Gum Trauma: By minimizing tooth movement and trauma, night guards help prevent gum irritation and recession.
Allowing Healing: Using a night guard can give inflamed or damaged gums time to heal by reducing ongoing irritation.
Choosing the Right Night Guard for Gum Health
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we provide custom-fitted night guards tailored for comfort and effectiveness. Proper fit is essential to avoid causing further gum irritation or discomfort.
Soft Night Guards: Best for mild grinding, these flexible guards are gentle on gums and teeth.
Hard Night Guards: Suitable for severe bruxism, they offer durable protection but require precise fitting to avoid gum pressure points.
Dual-Layer Night Guards: These combine soft inner layers with hard outer surfaces for balanced protection and comfort.
Tips for Maintaining Gum Health With Night Guards
Clean Your Night Guard Daily: Bacteria can accumulate on the appliance, potentially causing gum infections if not cleaned properly.
Remove Night Guard for Cleaning Your Gums: Always maintain your oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, before and after using your night guard.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Your dentist will monitor both your gum health and the fit of your night guard to make adjustments if needed.
When to See Your Dentist
If you notice increased gum sensitivity, redness, or discomfort while using a night guard, consult your dentist promptly. Improper fit or material allergies can cause gum irritation that requires professional attention.
Conclusion
Night guards are an effective tool not only for protecting your teeth but also for supporting gum health by reducing the harmful effects of bruxism. When properly fitted and maintained, night guards help minimize gum recession, inflammation, and trauma, promoting healthier gums and a more comfortable smile.
If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or want to protect your gums from damage, contact McLevin Dental Clinic. Our experienced team will provide a custom night guard and personalized advice to keep both your teeth and gums healthy.