A dental night guard is designed to protect your teeth from damage due to nighttime teeth grinding. There are many different types of night guards that can be used, including inexpensive dental night guards that can be picked up at your local pharmacy or online retailers, and custom made dental night guards. Over the counter night guards are more likely to result in pain. So, why do teeth hurt after wearing a clean night guard?
First, understand that it might take three or more nights for you to adapt to sleeping with a night guard. During this time, it is normal to experience some light tooth soreness. However, a night guard should not continue to cause you pain.
If you continue to experience nightly tooth pain, your guard does not fit you properly. In addition to tooth pain, an ill-fitting night guard can cause aching in your jaw. This pain typically is found at the jaw joint near the ear. You may also experience facial aching or sore spots on your tongue or cheeks.
What Makes Teeth Hurt After Wearing Night Guard?
One of the most frequent reasons for night guard pain is the mouth guard does not fit due to an inaccurate impression. If you are using an over the counter night guard, you should mold it to fit your teeth to minimize tooth pain.
Dip the night guard into boiling water for a few seconds to make the night guard pliable. Allow it too cool for a few seconds. As soon as it can be placed in your mouth without burning, put it in your mouth and bite down. Then press the front of your night guard against your teeth to form the guard to your teeth. Use your tongue to press the back of your night guard to the roof of your mouth. Finally, close your mouth and suck to finish forming the night guard to your unique fit. Once you have completed these steps, it should provide a comfortable fit.
If you ordered a custom fit night guard, the pain could be due to an inaccurate impression. In order to receive a great fitting night guard, the lab must have a clear and accurate cast of your teeth. Finally, if the night guard is not fabricated correctly, it can cause a too loose or too tight fit, which can cause tooth pain.
Excess plaque buildup or a piece of food can become lodged between your teeth, resulting in tooth pain. Using something like a Waterpik toothbrush combo can ensure that your teeth are cleaned properly. This will result in a better, more comfortable fit.
Dental Work
Have you experienced a teeth change due to a new filling, a chipped tooth, or any other type of dental damage? If so, you could potentially experience tooth pain from wearing a night guard. Have been fitted for a night guard and then experience a change in the structure of your teeth? It might be time to buy a new one.
An ill-fitting night guard can cause teeth shifting, which can place pressure on your teeth. In addition to this, your jaw may experience misalignment, resulting in temporal mandibular joint issues. The night guard can cause irritation to your gums, cheeks, or tongue.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort after wearing a night guard, visit your dentist. At your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw to ensure no shifting has occurred. While you are there, ask your dentist to make a fresh impression of your teeth and order a custom night guard.
Stopping Your Teeth Hurt After Wearing Night Guard
Finding a night guard that is comfortable and perfectly fits your mouth will help to prevent pain and discomfort from occurring while you wear your mouth guard at night. A properly fitting night guard will protect against teeth grinding and fit like a glove.
If your teeth hurt after wearing night guard, it is typically due to an ill-fitting night guard. For those using an over the counter night guard, purchase a new one and follow the steps listed above for a perfect fit. If you wear a custom made mouth guard, you may need a new impression made. Finally, brush your teeth and put to use your favorite pick from our best water flosser list. Do this right before putting your night guard to ensure there are no food particles causing your pain.
