Are Nighttime Dental Guards Just a Fad? Debunking Common Myths

“Most people have some degree of clenching, grinding, muscle guarding or other jaw activity during the day and night that is not associated with normal functioning like eating, talking, or swallowing,”  

~ Air Force Lt. Col. Preston Duffin, director of orofacial pain at the 59th Dental Training Squadron-Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

To varying degrees, Brusxism is common. Up to 30% of people grind their teeth in some way, and estimates suggest that about 10% to 15% of adults suffer from painful bruxism during sleep.   

(Global Prevalence of Sleep Bruxism and Awake Bruxism in Pediatric and Adult Populations)

A nighttime dental guard can be the only saving grace for people who suffer from various dental health issues due to grinding, but there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding its effectiveness. 

Here, to help you make more informed decisions, we will explore and debunk some of the most common myths about nighttime dental guards. 

What Is a Nighttime Dental Guard & How Does It Work?

A nighttime dental guard or night mouthguard is an accessory designed to protect your teeth and gums from grinding related damages—worn over the teeth while sleeping. 

• How it works: It provides a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the pressure of grinding to help prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and other damages

• Types of Night Guards:
  
  

Myth #1: Nighttime Dental Guards Are Just for People with Severe Teeth Grinding

Explanation: 

It is commonly believed that only those with severe grinding wear dental guards

Debunking: 

Even mind bruxism can lead to long-term dental damage. A nighttime dental guard can help prevent the following issues:

✔ Tooth wear ot flattening
✔ Jaw Pain or tenderness
✔ Headaches upon waking up 

A nighttime dental guard helps protect your teeth and jaw from gradual damage even if your grinding is not extreme. 

Myth #2 Night Guards Only Work for Teeth Grinding

Explanation: 

Some people believe that night guards don’t help with any issues other than bruxism.

Debunking:

Night guards are effective for dental issues like TMJ and other sleep-related problems as well. They reduce jaw pain and alleviate issues such as:

✔ Jaw clicking or popping
✔ Painful jaw movements
✔ Headaches and disrupted sleep

Wearing a dental guard can help reduce the discomfort experienced in TMJ and protect your jaw from further damage. 

Myth #3 Night Guards Are Not for Improving Overall Sleep

Explanation:

Many people believe that the sole use of night guards is to protect teeth

Debunking: 

Wearing a nighttime dental guard actually helps improve sleep quality. Reduced jaw tension and clenching lead to fewer disturbances during sleep. 

Benefits for Sleep:

✔  Reduced muscle tension
✔  uninterrupted, restful sleep

After using a dental guard, people report feeling more refreshed upon waking up. 

Myth #4 Nighttime Guards are Uncomfortable and Hard to Sleep With

Explanation: 

Most people assume that a night guard will be uncomfortable and bulky to sleep with

Debunking: 

Nighttime dental guards, especially custom fit guards, are designed for comfort as well as for protection. A well-fitting guard allows people to sleep without experiencing any discomfort.

Myth #5: Nighttime Guards are Expensive and Not Worth the price

Explanation: 

Some people consider a night guard not worth the expense due to the upfront cost of a custom-fit guard. 

Debunking: 

Custom-made dental guards actually save you lots of money in the long run by preventing extensive dental work caused by bruxism and the need for frequent dental guard replacements. 

When compared to the potential costs of guard replacement and dental repairs, a custom nighttime dental guard is a wise long-term investment. 

Final Thoughts

Nighttime dental guards are far from a mere passing trend. 

Custom nighttime dental guards are a valuable investment for maintaining your dental health. 

While misconceptions may cause hesitation, do not shy away from discussing any doubts with your dentist about the comfort, affordability, long-term benefits, and effectiveness of nighttime dental guards.