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Sleep issues such as teeth grinding (bruxism) at night, clenching of front or back teeth, and snoring or mouthbreathing are typically not recognised until they start to hamper the overall health. Oral appliance therapy can improve dental well-being and sleep health. One such example of an oral appliance is a mouthguard for sleeping. It can help to prevent damage caused by grinding of teeth during the sleep cycle. This is also known as a night guard.
Besides that, there are other types of mouthguards that serve different purposes. For example, a nightguard differs from one that’s used to manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The appliances for managing OSA are known as Mandibular advancement devices (MADs), which open up the airways by moving the lower jaw forward.
Another type of mouthguard are those that are used to manage TMJ disorders. In this article, we will explain about the various types of dental mouthguards that can be used to improve overall well-being.
Understanding Dental Issues and Sleep
Snoring is a sleep disturbance issue that occurs when air passes through the mouth and nose and this air obstructs the tissues in the throat, causing vibration. It is recognised as a common sleep problem.
Snoring is often associated with a type of sleep apnea, known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). But not everyone who snores has OSA. This can impact the sleeper as well as the partner. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) aid in the management of OSA. They are oral appliances that help to push the tongue and lower jaw forward, so that the patient can breathe easier during sleeping. Click here to learn more about OSA and how dentists can help to manage it.
Snoring has many possible causes such as: being overweight, a blocked nasal airway, consuming alcohol and how you sleep. Understanding the causes of snoring can help individuals identify potential solutions to alleviate this issue and improve their sleep quality.
Another sleep problem is bruxism. The causes of sleep Bruxism can be attributed to malocclusion and/or sleep conditions such as Sleep Apnea. You may feel discomfort or tightness around your jaw joints/muscles after waking up. These can be alleviated by wearing a mouthguard at night time as this will relax your muscles and allow you to have a more restful sleep. It minimises damage done from grinding, so the TMJ and jaw muscles are not overloaded.
What are the benefits of mouthguards for sleeping?
A mouthguard can help in many ways:
- It will reduce the intensity of snoring and potentially the amount as well
- Both you and your partner will get restful night's sleep
- Improved sleep quality since air inhalation is less obstructed
- Enhanced daytime alertness and energy levels
- It is a non-invasive method and is comfortable, without any surgery involved
- A mouthguard acts as a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which reduces the amount of wear on teeth structure.
With the integration of these mouth guards into your sleeping regimen, some positive changes will be seen in your sleeping pattern, which will positively influence your quality of life.
Tips for choosing the right mouthguard for sleeping
There are a few important points that should be taken into account:
- It is recommended to see a dentist specialised in sleep medicine to be properly diagnosed and treated according to individual requirements.
- Get a dental mouth guard which is custom made to suit your dental needs.
- Go for quality material in dental mouth guards to avoid problems in use.
- Some mouthguards can be adjusted to fit better. Opting for such can increase the comfort for the user.
Different types of mouthguards
There are various types of guards for mouth available, each designed to protect the teeth from damage in different scenarios. A night guard may be advised for those experiencing teeth grinding at night. This will help those with a tendency to grind their teeth while sleeping (Night Bruxism).
At Dental Designs Clinic, we provide various types of customised night guards, depending on the level of intensity of teeth grinding. The DuraAir is indicated for people with mild to moderate bruxism. In cases of heavy teeth grinding, other models like Dura 3D or DuraMax might be more appropriate. Before choosing any option, consultation with a dentist is recommended.
Apart from the night guards, there are mouthguards known as sports guards which help protect teeth during contact sports. Customised sports guards are indicated for athletes who play sports or engage in physical activities. It is worn to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
Oral appliances that are used to manage obstructive sleep apnea are known as sleep apnea devices. There are many different types of sleep apnea devices available, but they all work in a similar manner, which is to provide relief from snoring and get adequate sleep. Innovative solutions like DuraSleep and Somnodent are mouthguards which can help provide a more restful sleep experience.
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Conclusion
The purpose of a sleeping mouthguard is to aid people with teeth grinding or jaw tension, and possibly sleep apnea. This appliance can increase the comfort level at night and provide protection for the teeth if fitted and used properly.
Since individual needs vary; it is recommended to consult with your dentist. They can determine the right mouthguard that suits your sleeping pattern and oral health. Custom-made appliances are usually more comfortable and secure.
Click here to learn about mouthguards and take the initial step towards improving sleep.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthguard for Sleeping
1. What is a mouthguard for sleeping used for?
One type of mouthguard for sleeping is used to protect teeth against teeth grinding. This type of dental appliance is known as a night guard. It is worn over teeth to protect teeth from bruxism. Bruxism refers to the involuntary grinding and clenching of teeth. It may occur anytime, that is during sleep, or when awake during the day.
Another type of mouthguards worn during sleeping is a Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD). These oral appliances serve another purpose. MADs help to reduce snoring or mild sleep apnea by slightly repositioning the jaw forward so that it remains open enough to keep the air passageway from collapsing.
It is advised to schedule a consultation with a dentist to find out which mouthguard is suitable for your individual needs.
2. Am I a good candidate for night mouthguard?
Signs that you might need a night mouth guard include waking up with a sore jaw or tooth, headaches, or sensitive teeth, and often, a partner who hears you clenching and grinding during sleep. A dentist can often recognise Bruxism from such symptoms as chipped or fractured teeth, and worn tooth surfaces, or the wearing away of the gum lines around the teeth due to continuous pressure.
3. How should I clean and store my sleeping mouthguard?
You must clean your mouthguard for sleeping thoroughly every morning with cold water. This is done by brushing it, and then storing it in a case that allows it to dry in the air, away from heat and sunlight.
4. Is it safe to sleep with a mouthguard on?
It is safe to wear a night guard that is custom-made and fits well while sleeping, especially if created by a dental professional for issues like grinding or snoring. But an over-the-counter mouthguard that is poorly-fitting might lead to soreness in the jaw or shift bite alignment due to its generic fit.
5. Can a mouthguard help reduce snoring?
There are different types of mouthguards which serve various purposes. The mouthguard which can help to reduce snoring might be the Mandibular Advancement Device(MAD), which is indicated for patients who have sleep apnea.
It is designed to keep your lower jaw slightly ahead throughout the night. It prevents the jaw and tongue from collapsing back and closing the airway, thus lessening the tissue vibration that causes the snoring sound.
References
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Randomized controlled trial of an oral appliance (SomnoDent) for sleep‐disordered breathing and cardiac function in patients with heart failure |Clin Cardiol
doi.org/10.1002%2Fclc.23028 -
Snoring and its management | Karen H Calhoun 1, Jerry Templer, Bart Patenaude
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17133752/ -
Sleep bruxism: an overview for clinicians | H Beddis 1, M Pemberton 2, Stephen Davies|
doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.757
