Dental Night Guard Post-Insertion Instructions
After You Receive Your Custom Night Guard
Night guards serve as a protective barrier against the wear and tear caused by nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching. While they won’t stop these habits, they can prevent significant dental damage. Follow these steps to ensure a comfortable fit and maintain the longevity of your night guard.
If you haven’t yet had your night guard fitting, please review our pre-visit instructions.
How and When to Wear Your Night Guard
- Night Use: Wear your night guard during sleep to protect your teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching.
- Day Use Option: You can also wear your night guard during the day if you tend to clench or grind your teeth.
- Adjusting the Fit: If the night guard feels too tight, soak it in warm (not hot) water. This will slightly soften the thermoplastic material, making it more comfortable.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with a Night Guard
A clean mouth is essential for both oral health and night guard care. Here’s how to keep your night guard and teeth clean:
- Clean Your Night Guard Daily: Use an ultrasonic cleaner with a denture cleaner solution, like Polident, to remove plaque and prevent biofilm buildup on your night guard.
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. For better results, brush after meals whenever possible to reduce the chances of plaque buildup between meals.
- Rinse When Brushing Isn’t Possible: If brushing after meals isn’t feasible, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash, to help remove food particles and freshen your breath.
- Upgrade Your Toothbrush: For gentle but effective cleaning, we recommend using the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. For more thorough cleaning, an electric toothbrush, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, is a great option.
- Floss Daily: Daily flossing removes particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Try GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or, if traditional flossing is challenging, use dental flossers or interdental brushes such as GUM Proxabrush.
- Consider a Water Flosser: For deeper cleaning, use a Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser. This is a great addition to your routine as it effectively flushes out debris that may be missed by brushing and flossing.
- Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste, such as Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean, is recommended for cavity prevention and gum health.
Adjusting to Your Night Guard
Wearing a night guard may feel unusual at first, and it can take a few days to adjust. If you experience any gum or tooth sensitivity, reach out to us for an adjustment.
Quick Tip: Practice wearing your night guard for short periods during the day to speed up the adjustment period. Gradually wearing it longer will help you get used to it for a full night.
Replacing Your Night Guard
The lifespan of your night guard depends on the severity of your grinding and clenching. Some people may need a replacement every year, while others may keep theirs for several years. Look out for signs of wear, such as holes or cracks, and contact us when it’s time for a new one.
Have Questions?
If you have further questions or concerns about your dental night guard, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure you get the most out of your night guard and protect your smile effectively.
