Can a Night Guard Cause Gum Recession?
17th Nov 2024
You wear a night guard for protection, helping to shield your teeth from grinding or clenching, but you might be wondering if it could be causing your gums to recede. It’s normal to worry about whether a night guard could lead to gum problems like recession. Some patients have questions in mind, like, Can a night guard cause gum recession? Can a mouth guard actually cause side effects or make gum recession worse? What signs should you look out for if it’s affecting your gums? And if your gums are already receding, should you stop wearing the night guard?
Can a Night Guard Cause Gum Recession?
Let’s get to the main question: Can your night guard actually cause gum recession? The short answer is no—at least not if it fits properly. A well-made, custom mouthguard shouldn’t cause your gums to recede.
However, there are a few things that your dental devices might cause gum problems:
- Ill-fitting mouthguards: If your night guard is too tight or rubs against your gumline, it can cause irritation. Over time, this sensitivity could lead to gum damage.
- Dirty night guards: If you don’t clean your night guard regularly, bacteria carried from the saliva can build up, causing gum inflammation, which can place a higher risk for gum recession.
So, while a night guard by itself usually won’t cause gum recession, one that doesn’t fit well or isn’t properly cleaned could irritate your gums and possibly lead to recession over time.
Related Articles:
Signs Your Night Guard Might Be Affecting Your Gums
If you’re worried that your night guard might be affecting your gums, here are a few signs to keep an eye on:
- Redness, swelling, or irritation around your gums after using the night guard.
- Experience pain or discomfort in your gums.
- Your gum line appears to be receding near where the night guard sits.
Tips on how to Prevent Gum Issues While Using a Night Guard
The good news is that there are ways or steps to protect your gums while still benefiting from your night guard.
- Get a custom-fit night guard: A custom-made night guard from your dentist or a trusted online retailer will fit properly, provide comfort, and reduce the impact of gum irritation.
- Clean your night guard regularly: Rinse it after each use and clean it with a soft toothbrush and clean water. This helps prevent bacteria buildup that can harm your gums.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Your dentist can check the fit of your night guard and monitor your gum health during routine visits.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Should You Stop Using Your Night Guard if You Notice Gum Recession?
If you notice signs of gum recession, don’t stop using your night guard right away—just be sure to consult your dentist as soon as possible. They can check both your gums, tooth and the night guard to see if it’s causing any problems. In some cases, some dentists might suggest adjustment procedures of the bite guard or switching to a different material and type that’s way gentler on your gums. Many dental offices offer specialized services to address issues related to gum recession, including custom night guards tailored to prevent further damage.
Early detection is important for prevention, timely treatment, and stopping the issue from causing further damage. With the right care, gum recession can usually be managed effectively. It's essential for each patient to remain vigilant about their oral health and discuss any potential side effects of dental appliances, such as night guards, with their dentist.
Note: It's important to understand your rights as a patient when discussing any potential side effects of dental devices, including night guards, to ensure you receive the best possible care for your oral health.
Related Articles:
Common Causes of Gum Recession
A gum recession can happen for several reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Brushing too hard: Using too much pressure when brushing, especially with a hard toothbrush, can wear down your gums over time.
- Gum disease: Infections in your gums (also called periodontitis) can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup, which causes gum tissue problems.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum recession due to their family history.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco causes gingivitis and weakens your gums, increasing the risk of recession.
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Grinding (aka bruxism) your teeth can put extra pressure on your jaw, especially on your gums, causing them to recede.
- Misaligned teeth: When tooth alignment doesn’t line up properly, it can put uneven pressure on your gums, leading to recession.
FAQs: Can a Night Guard Cause Gum Recession?
1. Can a poorly fitting night guard cause gum recession?
Yes, those ill-fitting types can potentially irritate a part of your gums by pressing against them or causing friction. Over time, this irritation can lead to gum injury. That’s why it’s important to use a properly fitted night guard.
2. How do I know if my night guard is affecting my gums?
Symptoms that your night guard might be affecting your gum areas include redness, swelling, irritation, or pain in the gum area, especially where the night guard sits. You may also notice your gums receding.
3. Will cleaning my night guard help prevent gum recession?
Yes, keeping your night guard clean is essential. A dirty night guard can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to gum inflammation or infection, potentially contributing to gum recession.
Conclusion
Wearing a night guard is important for protecting your teeth from grinding, and it comes with many benefits, but it’s normal to worry about how it might affect your gums. In addition, a properly fitted and clean night guard won’t cause gum recession. However, if the night guard doesn’t fit well or isn’t cleaned regularly, it could irritate your gums and possibly lead to recession.
To protect your gums, make sure your night guard fits properly, keep it clean, and visit your dentist regularly for consultation. Additionally, using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive gums may help alleviate discomfort while ensuring you maintain proper oral hygiene alongside your night guard usage.
If you’re ever concerned about your dental night guard or your gum health, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice or schedule an office appointment if you have concerns.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
