What to Expect When Wearing Your Mouth Guard the First Night

What to Expect When Wearing Your Night Guard the First Night

Are you an active teeth grinder or clencher, which made you look for a custom-fit mouth guard? Congratulations on making the first step toward protecting your dental health! Wearing a custom mouth guard can silence those pesky grinding noises that keep us awake at night and prevent further damage caused by excessive grinding. Before wearing your new mouth guard for the first time, there are some important things to understand about how it should fit and what it may feel like when worn. Read on as we share all the information you need to make sure that when you slip into bed with your new nighttime accessory, everything will be just right! 

Mouth guards may take some getting used to

Adapting to a mouth guard is worth the effort as it protects against teeth grinding and clenching. With some perseverance, you'll soon be accustomed to this custom-fitted mouthpiece, giving your peace of mind with its effective defense for better sleep. Getting a mouth guard may require some adjustment to ensure it is comfortable and effective. Wearing the initial device could have an unfamiliar feel, but any minor discomfort should dissipate as you become accustomed to wearing your custom-fitted mouth guard overnight.

You may experience increased saliva production

A mouth guard is designed to protect your teeth, but it may also increase the amount of saliva produced in your mouth. While this reaction is completely natural, too much moisture can interfere with getting a good night's sleep. A simple solution: take a few sips of water before slipping into bed and frequently swallow throughout the night for optimum comfort while wearing a custom mouth guard!

Your speech may be affected

The presence of a mouth guard in your mouth may affect your ability to speak clearly at first. This is also normal and should improve as you get used to wearing the mouth guard. If you are concerned about your speech, try reading out loud or practicing speaking with the mouth guard in place.

Your bite may feel different

When wearing a mouth guard, your bite may feel slightly different than it does without the mouth guard. This is because the mouth guard creates a barrier between your teeth that can change how your teeth come together. This should not be a cause for concern, as it is a normal part of wearing a custom-fit mouth guard. 

Other Things You Should Know about Custom Mouth Guards

Mouth guards need to be properly cleaned and maintained

To keep your mouth guard in good condition and prevent the growth of bacteria, it is important to clean it regularly. You can clean your mouth guard the old-fashioned way by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, or you can use one of the new methods of cleaning custom mouth guards and retainers by using one of the Ultrasonic Cleaners available here. Be sure to rinse your custom mouth guard thoroughly with cool water after cleaning. For additional information and tips on how to care for and maintain your mouth guard read more here.

Ultrasonic Cleaning & Sanitizing Device for Night Guards & Retainers

Mouth guards may need to be replaced periodically

Mouth guards are not indestructible and will eventually wear out over time. Depending on the type of mouth guard you have, your dentist may recommend replacing it every six months to a year. If you notice any signs of wear or damage to your mouth guard, you’ll know it will need to be replaced to retain its efficacy. That is why the Remi Club from shopremi.com is such a great deal! Protect your teeth from grinding and clenching with the Remi Club! With this subscription plan, you’ll receive a new custom mouth guard every six months for only $49 - no more costly trips to take impressions or having to replace them due to wear. Keep your smile healthy while saving money in the long run with Remi Club!

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, wearing a custom mouth guard for the first time, there are a few things you can expect that may take some getting used to. Increased saliva production and speaking issues are normal responses to a foreign object in the mouth. If needed, swallowing frequently or rinsing your mouth before bed may help reduce excessive saliva production in order to make it easier to sleep at night. While it may take some time to get used to wearing the mouth guard, and your speech may be affected, these effects should improve over time.

Custom mouth guards like those at Remi can provide a snug fit and alleviate many of the issues associated with bruxism and teeth grinding. Learn more about using a custom mouth guard for better sleep and dental health with these additional articles.  If you know other teeth grinders who could benefit from a custom mouth guard, please feel free to share this article with them.

Ana Milian, RDA Head Dental Technician

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