A Beginner’s Guide to Nightguards

The demand for nightguards has dramatically increased over the last few years, thanks to many people realizing just how important they are. If you are thinking about getting one for yourself or your child, you are in the right place. This blog post discusses nightguards in detail to help you make an informed decision when buying one. We are here for you if you’re looking for a nightguard near you in Sarasota.

What Is the Difference Between a Mouthguard and Nightguard?

Many people confuse a mouthguard with a nightguard but they are slightly different from each other. A mouthguard is normally used to cushion the face and protect your gums and teeth from blows during physical contact sports. That way, a mouthguard minimizes the risk of injuries to the gum, lips, tongue, and teeth.

On the other hand, a typical nightguard is usually worn at night to put a barrier between the lower and upper teeth. By doing so, it stops the wearer from clenching their teeth and protects the muscles of the jaw. One major difference between the two is the mouthguard covers your gums but the other one does not.

Can I Use a Mouthguard for Bruxism?

If you grind your teeth, we recommend using a nightguard instead of a mouthguard. A mouthguard is not designed for stopping bruxism and using the wrong type of mouthguard at night could end up causing an injury to your gums.

When you wear a sports mouthguard, you only do so for a few hours to cover your gums and teeth during the game. We do not recommend wearing a mouthguard during the night, though. This is because at night you will wear it for more hours and covering the gums for an extended period is not healthy.

Even if you are using the comfortable custom mouthguard, we still recommend getting a nightguard if you struggle with bruxism. We are here for you if you are looking for a night guard for TMJ in Sarasota.

Can I Make a DIY Night Guard?

If you are short on money and you think you could make your own nightguards, you will find more than enough tutorials to help you do it. If you search on YouTube for DIY for a nightguard, you will find more than enough videos. While some tutorials can work, we don’t recommend going for it.

The approach is not always safe and you might end up doing more harm than good. Instead, we advise you to visit a dentist near you and discuss a plan that will help you get a safe custom guard that will help

you the most. Furthermore, guards are not that expensive. Contact us to get the cost of the nightguard in Sarasota.

What are the Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard?

While you could buy over-the-counter night guards for as low as $10, we always recommend choosing a custom-made one. This is because custom made night guards come with many benefits, which include:

More comfortable

Custom-made ones are usually lightweight, practical, and more comfortable since they are made specifically for you. They reduce the stress on your jaws and protect your teeth effectively.

Prevents Teeth Damage

If you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw, it can lead to chipped teeth, excessive enamel wear, and damaged fillings. Wearing a guard will protect your teeth from these damages and protect your precious smile.

Improved Sleep

It is recommended that every adult should get at least seven hours of sleep. A custom-made nightguard positions your jaw in such a way that it facilitates relaxation. If you are relaxed, you are likely to get better sleep.

Prevents snoring

Teeth grinding and clenching are usually associated with snoring. While this might be the least of your troubles, it could be causing problems for your significant other. A guard will create a small space between jaws, increasing airflow, and decreasing snoring in the process.

Tarpon Shores Dental

If you are looking for an experienced dentist in Sarasota, Amy Valenti is here for you. We can help you with preventive, restorative, and even cosmetic services. What’s more, you can count on us if you are looking for an emergency dentist in Sarasota.