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You want your teen to have a healthy smile. You remind them to brush and floss. You take them to the dentist. Still, some dental problems can happen while they are asleep. This is where a night mouthguard becomes helpful.

You can think of a night mouthguard as a soft cover for the teeth. Your teen wears it while sleeping. It usually fits over the top or bottom teeth. It acts like a cushion and keeps teeth from rubbing together.

You may be surprised to learn that many teenagers and young adults need this kind of protection at night. They may not feel pain right away, but damage can slowly happen over time.

Why Do Teenagers Grind Their Teeth at Night?

You should know that teeth grinding is common in teens and young adults. Dentists call it bruxism. Many people grind or clench their teeth without knowing it.

You may hear a grinding sound while they sleep. You may notice flat or chipped teeth. Some wake up with jaw pain or headaches. Others may not show any clear signs at all.

You might wonder why this happens. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress or anxiety. School pressure, sports, and daily life can all play a role. It can also happen when teeth do not line up properly.

How Can Grinding Harm Permanent Teeth?

You may not think much about grinding at first. Yet it can cause real damage over time.

Grinding can wear down the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. You should know enamel does not grow back once it is gone. Grinding can also cause small cracks or chips in permanent teeth. Over time, this can lead to pain or sensitivity.

You may also notice jaw soreness or tight muscles in the face. Some teens feel tired in the morning even after a full night of sleep.

How Does a Night Mouthguard Help?

You can use a night mouthguard to protect permanent teeth from damage. The guard creates a soft barrier between the upper and lower teeth.

You should understand that the mouthguard absorbs pressure from grinding. Instead of tooth on tooth contact, the force spreads across the guard. This helps prevent wear and cracks.

You may also notice fewer headaches and less jaw pain once your teen starts wearing one. Many sleep better because their jaw muscles can relax.

Is a Night Mouthguard Safe?

You may worry about safety, and that is normal. A night mouthguard is safe when it is properly fitted by a dentist.

You should always choose a dentist approved mouthguard. It is made to fit the mouth correctly and allows normal breathing during sleep.

You can feel confident knowing dentists check the fit and comfort. At MVP Smiles, the goal is always to keep patients safe and comfortable.

Custom Mouthguard vs Store Bought Options

You may see mouthguards at local stores and wonder if they work. Some may help a little, but they often do not fit well.

You should know that a poor fit can cause discomfort. It may fall out during sleep. It may even make grinding worse.

You can trust a custom mouthguard made by a dentist. It is created from a mold of the patient’s permanent teeth. This helps it stay in place and provide better protection.

How to Care for a Night Mouthguard

You will be happy to know that caring for a mouthguard is simple. You should rinse it with cool water after each use.

You can gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water, as it can change the shape. Let it air dry before placing it in its case.

You should also bring the mouthguard to dental visits. The dentist may need to adjust or replace it over time to ensure it continues to fit properly.

How Long Does Someone Need to Wear a Night Mouthguard?

You may wonder how long this treatment lasts. Every person is different. Some only need it for a short period. Others may need it longer.

You should follow your dentist’s advice. They will watch for signs that grinding has stopped or slowed down.

Protecting a Healthy Smile

You want your teen or young adult to keep strong and healthy permanent teeth for life. A night mouthguard is a simple way to protect their smile while they sleep.

You do not need to wait until damage appears. Early care can prevent bigger problems later. A small step now can save stress and cost in the future.

You can talk to the team of dentists in Gaithersburg MD at MVP Smiles if you notice signs of teeth grinding. With the right care and support, they can sleep better and smile with confidence every day.