No matter how old you are, it’s important to take care of your teeth, as they’re an essential part of your day-to-day life. However, as your teeth age and deteriorate, they can become more susceptible to damage from everyday activities, especially if you haven’t been practicing proper oral hygiene. A common way to prevent tooth damage due to injuries or accidents is through the use of a tongue guard. In this article, we discuss what exactly a tongue guard does and how it works.
So, Why Would I Need One?
Your tongue is an integral part of your eating experience. It’s used to savor and taste food, and it can also be used to scoop bites into your mouth. While those are both fun activities for you, they might not be fun for those around you if your actions cause damage. For example, if you have a habit of using your tongue like a shovel and you accidentally clobber someone with it at dinner, he or she might not ever want to see you again! That’s why some people use tongue guards when they eat: They prevent damage from happening so that everyone has a nice time together!
How Does it Work?
A tongue guard can be worn while you sleep or talk. It’s not intended to be worn all day, but during only specific times, such as when you are sleeping. The main purpose of a tongue guard is to push your tongue forward and prevent it from resting against your teeth at night. This helps keep them from grinding and clenching throughout your sleep cycle. Over time, wearing a tongue guard will lead to healthier teeth and gums by decreasing bruxism (the habit of tooth grinding). But don’t just take our word for it: The American Dental Association (ADA) supports using custom-fitted dental appliances like mouth guards to treat bruxism, also known as nocturnal parafunctional disorders (NPFDS), in adults over 18 years old.
Do They Hurt?
If you’re thinking about using a tongue guard, it’s probably because you have an issue with snoring or sleep apnea. If that’s not you, think carefully before putting anything in your mouth at night. Although they don’t usually cause pain—as long as they fit properly—your jaw will be sore after wearing them, especially when waking up in the morning. This can be caused by pressure on your tongue and jaw while asleep.
Where Can I Get Them?
While there are few known risks to wearing a tongue guard, you should always check with your dentist before making any changes to your oral health routine. One of the most common concerns about guards is that they’ll interfere with breathing or talking. Though not everyone experiences it, some users complain of mouth breathing or an inability to speak clearly when wearing their guard; these problems are easily remedied by removing it for short periods of time. If you have diabetes, hypothyroidism or trouble swallowing pills, talk to your doctor first before using one—he can help make sure that it won’t cause any discomfort.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any dental treatment, there are some risks associated with tongue guards. Bruxism, or grinding of teeth during sleep, could be exacerbated by having something in your mouth. In some cases, tongue guards can cause irritation and difficulty swallowing. If you have allergies to adhesive or suffer from snoring, it’s probably best to avoid using one. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold while you’re wearing your device; otherwise you could burn yourself on scalding coffee or freeze your lips on an icy drink. And if you’re going to have work done on your teeth, don’t get a tongue guard until after that procedure is complete–it might be uncomfortable when combined with anesthesia and in-office repairs.
