Common Causes of Teeth Grinding ⚡

Bruxism affects people of all ages, and it often happens without conscious awareness. Common triggers include:

• Stress and anxiety from work, school, or daily life
• Sleep disorders, including snoring or sleep apnea
• Misaligned teeth or orthodontic adjustments
• Lifestyle factors, such as caffeine or alcohol intake

Identifying triggers is the first step toward relief, but a protective barrier for your teeth is essential in the meantime.

How Mouthguards Protect Tooth Enamel 🦷

Your enamel is your smile’s first line of defense, but grinding can wear it down over time. A night guard:

• Creates a cushion between upper and lower teeth
• Reduces enamel erosion and cracks
• Prevents chipped, fractured, or worn teeth
• Protects dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers

It’s like a soft armor that absorbs the forces of grinding while keeping your teeth intact.

Can Mouthguards Stop Headaches? 🌸

Yes! Chronic clenching and grinding can lead to tension headaches and jaw pain. By easing pressure on the jaw and aligning your bite overnight, a night guard can:

• Reduce morning jaw soreness
• Decrease tension-related headaches
• Improve sleep quality, leaving you more refreshed
• Support long-term jaw health

Lifestyle Changes That Complement a Night Guard 🌿

A mouthguard works best when paired with habits that relax your jaw:

• Gentle stretching or massage of jaw muscles before bed
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol in the evening
• Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises to reduce stress
• Maintaining consistent sleep schedules

Why Night Guards Are the Ultimate Solution 🌙

While sports guards protect you from external forces, night guards are your teeth’s personal bodyguard while you sleep. A NewSmile custom night guard is designed for a perfect fit, comfort, and durability, giving you worry-free nights and a smile that stays healthy over time.

When to Introduce Mouthguards for Children 🧸

Dental experts often recommend mouthguards as soon as children start participating in sports, usually around ages 6 to 8. But mouthguards aren’t just for sports:

• Kids who grind their teeth at night (bruxism)
• Children with braces or orthodontic appliances
• Adventurous little ones prone to falls and bumps

Introducing a guard early helps children develop the habit of protection as part of their daily routine.

Best Mouthguards for Kids Who Play Sports ⚽🏀

Sports mouthguards for kids should be:

• Comfortable and lightweight to avoid distraction
• Durable and flexible for rough-and-tumble play
• Easy to clean to keep germs away
• Custom-fitted for teeth and braces, if applicable

Fun colors, patterns, or even glow-in-the-dark designs can make wearing a guard exciting rather than a chore.

Dental Development and Mouthguard Fit 🦷

Kids’ mouths change rapidly as teeth grow and shift. A well-fitting mouthguard:

• Protects developing teeth and jawbones
• Reduces the risk of injury to newly erupted permanent teeth
• Can be adjusted or replaced as the child grows

Custom-fit guards, like those from NewSmile, ensure both safety and comfort, encouraging kids to keep them on consistently.

Making Mouthguards Fun 🌟

Parents can make wearing a mouthguard a positive experience:

• Let kids choose their favorite color or pattern
• Frame it as a “superhero shield” for their smile
• Celebrate consistency with small rewards or praise

When kids feel ownership over their guard, they’re more likely to wear it — and develop lifelong protective habits.

Night Guards for Young Grinders 🌙

Even little smiles can benefit from night guards. Kids who grind their teeth while sleeping can develop enamel wear, jaw tension, and headaches over time. A NewSmile custom night guard can gently protect young teeth while supporting healthy development — all without interfering with sleep.

How Stress Impacts Your Teeth and Jaw 💭

When life gets overwhelming, your body’s “fight or flight” mode can trigger involuntary jaw clenching. Over time, this can:

• Wear down tooth enamel
• Cause cracks or chips
• Strain jaw muscles
• Aggravate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders

Even short bursts of clenching — like during a high-pressure meeting or while stuck in traffic — can leave your jaw feeling sore by the end of the day.

Night Guards vs. Day Guards: Knowing the Difference ☀️🌙

Night guards protect against grinding during sleep — the time when clenching is often most intense and most damaging.

Day guards are slimmer, discreet, and made for people who clench during waking hours (especially in stressful jobs or activities).

Choosing the right type depends on when your tension strikes. Some people even use both for round-the-clock protection.

Mouthguards and TMJ Pain Relief 🌀

If you’ve ever felt a popping or clicking in your jaw, or experienced facial muscle fatigue, you might be dealing with TMJ-related discomfort. A properly fitted mouthguard can:

• Reduce pressure on the jaw joint
• Allow muscles to relax
• Prevent tooth-on-tooth contact that worsens inflammation

This relief can make daily activities — from chewing to chatting — feel noticeably easier.

Relaxation Habits That Work with Your Mouthguard 🪷

A guard is the physical shield, but pairing it with stress-reducing habits amplifies results:

• Breathing exercises to loosen jaw muscles
• Warm compresses on tense areas before bed
• Stretching neck and shoulders to relieve referred tension
• Mindfulness breaks during the day to unclench

Your Stress-Proof Smile Starts at Night 🌙

Stress may be unavoidable, but its toll on your smile doesn’t have to be. Wearing a custom-fit night guard from NewSmile while you sleep ensures that your teeth and jaw get a full eight hours of relief from grinding and clenching forces. It’s a small addition to your nightly routine with big results — so you can wake up ready to face the day, tension-free and smiling.

Why Mouthguards Are Non-Negotiable for Athletes 🥊

Sports-related dental injuries can happen in a fraction of a second. A stray elbow, a collision, even a fast-flying ball — all it takes is one hit. Without a mouthguard, the result could be chipped enamel, knocked-out teeth, or costly dental work. Mouthguards don’t just protect your teeth; they can also reduce the risk of jaw fractures, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions by absorbing and dispersing force.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Sport 🎯

Different activities call for different designs:

• High-contact sports (like football, hockey, boxing) need thicker guards for maximum impact absorption.
• Low-contact but high-risk sports (like gymnastics, skateboarding, mountain biking) benefit from slimmer, lightweight designs that won’t affect breathing or speech.
• Multi-sport athletes might opt for a versatile custom guard they can use across activities.

A guard that’s too loose or too bulky can distract you mid-game — and that’s the last thing you want when your focus should be on performance.

Custom vs. Store-Bought: Why It Matters More in Sports 🏃♀️

Store-bought “boil-and-bite” guards can work in a pinch, but they’re not built for serious training or repeated high-impact use. Custom mouthguards offer:

• A secure fit that stays put during intense movement
• Thinner profiles without sacrificing protection
• Longer durability from high-quality materials
• Comfort that lets you focus on your sport, not your gear

Think of it as upgrading from generic sneakers to running shoes made just for your stride.

Keeping It Fresh: Mouthguard Hygiene for Active People 🌿

Post-practice sweat isn’t the only thing you should be rinsing off. Bacteria thrive on unwashed guards, so after every session:

• Rinse with cool water.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Air-dry in a ventilated case.
• Deep clean weekly with a sports-safe retainer solution.

From Game Day to Every Day: Why Night Guards Complete the Protection 🌙

On the field or in the ring, your mouthguard shields you from external impact. But when the lights go out, a night guard protects you from internal forces — the grinding and clenching that can be just as damaging as a sports injury. A NewSmile custom night guard is slim, comfortable, and designed for the same kind of tailored fit athletes demand. Because your teeth deserve championship-level protection — day and night.

How Night Guards Protect While You Sleep 🌿

Think of your night guard as a soft barrier between your teeth. Instead of enamel grinding against enamel, the guard absorbs and redistributes pressure, keeping your smile safe. Beyond preventing chips and wear, night guards can:

• Reduce jaw strain and morning stiffness
• Lower the risk of tension headaches
• Protect costly dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings)
• Support overall bite alignment over time

It’s protection you don’t have to think about — because it works while you’re dreaming.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard 💤

Many people don’t even realize they grind their teeth at night until their dentist points it out. Here are subtle clues:

• Waking up with jaw soreness or tension
• Morning headaches that fade as the day goes on
• Chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth
• Unexplained tooth sensitivity
• Partners noticing grinding sounds while you sleep

If any of these sound familiar, your teeth may already be asking for a night guard.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter: Which to Choose? 🎯

Over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” guards are a quick fix, but for long-term comfort and protection, custom-fit night guards win every time. Crafted from your exact dental impressions, they:

• Stay secure through the night
• Feel slim and natural in your mouth
• Last longer due to higher-quality materials
• Make it easier to breathe and speak

With NewSmile, you can even order yours online — no dentist visit required — making it easy to start protecting your smile tonight.

Caring for Your Night Guard ✨

To keep your guard fresh and effective:

• Rinse under cool water after each use.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no abrasive toothpaste).
• Air-dry completely before storing in a ventilated case.
• Deep clean weekly with a retainer cleaning solution.

Why Everyone (Not Just Athletes) Can Benefit 🌿

The word “mouthguard” might conjure up images of basketball players mid-game, but its role extends far beyond sports arenas. Think of it as a bodyguard who works 24/7 — stylishly low-profile, but always ready to take the hit for you. **Night grinders** who clench their jaw in their sleep, professionals dealing with daily tension, kids discovering the thrill of skateboarding, and weekend warriors who love contact sports can all benefit from this simple shield. Life has a way of surprising us — an accidental elbow, a tough almond, or an all-night stress grind — and a mouthguard quietly prevents damage before it begins.

How Mouthguards Work Their Magic ⚡

Imagine biting down with all your strength — up to 250 pounds of pressure — straight into your teeth. That’s what can happen during an intense game or a night of bruxism. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, **absorbing and redistributing that force** so your enamel, jaw joints, and bite alignment stay protected. Think of it like shock-absorbing sneakers for your smile.

Custom vs. Store-Bought: A Fit That Feels Like You 🎯

Pharmacy “boil-and-bite” guards have their place — quick, affordable, but not always a dream to wear. On the other hand, a custom-fit guard, like those crafted by NewSmile, feels almost invisible. It’s molded from your exact dental impressions, which means:

• No awkward slipping while you sleep
• No bulky plastic interfering with breathing or speaking
• Long-lasting durability that keeps your investment worthwhile

It’s protection, made personal.

Keeping Your Guard Fresh & Clean 🌸

A clean mouthguard is a happy mouthguard. Treat yours like the self-care essential it is:

• Rinse with cool water after every use.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no harsh scrubbing).
• Air-dry in a ventilated case.
• Deep clean weekly with a retainer or denture cleaning tablet.

Night Guards: The Quiet Hero in Your Sleep Routine 🌙

Sports guards may get the spotlight, but night guards are the real daily protectors. They work silently while you rest, **guarding your enamel from grinding forces** and your jaw from morning aches. With NewSmile’s slim, custom-fit night guards, there’s no bulk, no discomfort — just an effortless shield you’ll barely notice, until you wake up to a pain-free jaw and a confident smile.

🧼 Myth — Denture Cleaners Work the Same for Aligners

Fact: Denture cleaners and aligner cleaners are not the same.

Denture tablets are often made for tougher materials like acrylic and metal, whereas clear aligners are made from thermoplastic, which can be more sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Why this matters:

• Some denture cleaners contain bleach or abrasives that can warp, cloud, or damage aligner trays
• Using them too often can cause surface breakdown or unwanted residue

🧴 Fact — Some Denture Cleaners Are Safe (With Caution)

Yes, a few non-abrasive, peroxide-based denture cleaners can be used on aligners — but only occasionally, and with clear instructions.

If you're considering it:

• Choose dye-free, gentle formulas (no bleach or artificial colorants)
• Soak trays no longer than 10–15 minutes
• Always rinse thoroughly with water afterward

🧃 Safe Cleaning Agents You Can Use Daily

To avoid the risks, here are NewSmile-approved cleaning methods that are safe for everyday use:

• Clear liquid soap + soft toothbrush
• Baking soda + water paste for gentle scrubbing
• Hydrogen peroxide + water soak (equal parts, once a week)
• Vinegar + water soak (1:3 ratio for occasional use)

📖 Build a Myth-Free Cleaning Routine

Let’s clear up more common myths about aligner cleaners:

🚫 Toothpaste is Too Abrasive

Most commercial toothpastes contain micro-abrasives — great for scrubbing plaque off enamel, but not for aligner plastic.

• These tiny particles can create scratches and dullness, compromising the integrity for holding the position of your teeth
• Scratches trap bacteria, making trays look cloudy and smell bad
• Over time, the damage becomes visible — and irreversible

🔬 Toothpaste Can Break Down the Material

In addition to abrasives, some toothpastes contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, whitening agents, or chemicals designed for enamel — not plastic.

• Weaken the structure of your aligners
• Cause them to discolor, warp, or lose their tight fit
• Lead to increased odor retention from chemical buildup

✅ Use These Safe Alternatives Instead

Don’t worry — there are plenty of safe and effective ways to keep your aligners fresh without toothpaste.

• Clear, unscented liquid soap + soft brush (daily use)
• Baking soda + water paste (for mild stain removal)
• Hydrogen peroxide + water soak (equal parts, weekly)
• Aligner cleaning crystals or foam cleansers (formulated specifically for trays)

🪥 Build a Gentle Yet Effective Routine

It’s not just what you clean with — it’s how often and how consistently.

• Rinse your aligners every time you remove them
• Brush gently once a day using a separate soft toothbrush and mild soap
• Soak once a week in a safe cleaning solution
• Store aligners in their case when not in use to avoid bacteria and buildup

🚨 If You’re in Significant Pain or Bleeding

Some discomfort is part of the process, but if you’re experiencing intense pain, prolonged bleeding, or swelling, it’s time to call.

Signs you should contact your orthodontist:

• A sharp or broken wire cutting your mouth
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop within a few minutes
• Swollen gums or signs of infection
• A cracked aligner causing tongue or gum injuries

🦷 If Your Aligners or Braces Break or Don’t Fit

A loose bracket or a damaged tray can interrupt your treatment if not addressed quickly. Here's when it's time to call:

For braces:

• Bracket has come off and is still attached to the wire
• Wire is sticking out and irritating your cheeks or tongue
• Bands or wires feel significantly out of place

For aligners:

• Aligners are cracked and no longer fit snugly
• You've lost a tray and don’t know whether to move forward or backward
• You’ve tried chewies and DIY fixes, and your aligner still won’t seat

📅 If You Miss a Tray Switch or Appointment

Life happens—and sometimes, appointments or tray switches get delayed. But missing too many days can slow your treatment or cause teeth to shift improperly.

Call your orthodontist if:

• You’ve missed more than 3 days of aligner wear
• You’ve delayed a tray switch and aren’t sure if you should resume
• You need a new timeline for wearing or refitting a tray

🧭 If You’re Unsure—Ask Anyway

When in doubt, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right or you're anxious about a change in your treatment, it's completely okay to reach out.

You should never hesitate to ask about:

• Unexpected gaps or movement
• Aligner irritation that doesn’t go away
• Questions about rubber bands or attachments
• Confusion about your next steps

🌙 Why Aligner Pain Happens at Night

When you first start a new set of trays, your aligners begin gently shifting your teeth into their next position. That pressure is a sign they’re working—but it can also make your teeth feel sore, especially during sleep when you're not distracted by daily activity.

You may notice:

• Dull pressure or throbbing in your molars
• Sensitivity when biting down
• Mild gum tenderness

🛌 Tips to Sleep Through the Discomfort

The good news? You can absolutely sleep with aligners in—even if there’s some initial pain. In fact, keeping them in overnight is essential to stay on track.

Here’s how to sleep more comfortably:

• Switch trays at night so you sleep through the worst of the adjustment
• Use a **cold compress** on your jaw before bed to reduce inflammation
• Elevate your pillow to prevent jaw tension
• Stay hydrated—a dry mouth can increase discomfort

💊 Soothing Remedies for Nighttime Relief

Need a little extra help getting through the night? Here are a few gentle, aligner-safe remedies:

• **Over-the-counter pain relief** (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before bed
• **Orthodontic wax** to cover any rough spots or sharp edges
• **Salt water rinse** before sleep to calm gum irritation
• **Chewies** during the day to improve tray fit and reduce uneven pressure

⏳ When to Worry (And When to Let It Pass)

While mild discomfort is normal, prolonged or severe pain may mean something else is going on.

Contact your provider if:

• Pain lasts longer than 4–5 days with no improvement
• You feel sharp pain, not just pressure
• Your aligners don’t seem to fit properly, even with chewies
• There are visible gaps between the aligners and your teeth

🦷 What Causes Braces to Cut Your Lips or Cheeks?

Braces involve brackets, wires, and elastics—materials that your mouth isn’t used to (yet). As you adjust, the inside of your lips and cheeks may rub against the brackets, leading to:

• Raw or irritated spots
• Small ulcers or canker sores
• A stinging or burning sensation when eating or brushing

These **mouth sores from braces** are most common during the adjustment period but can also occur after tightening or if a wire shifts.

🧊 Wax to the Rescue: Your First Line of Defense

Orthodontic wax is your best friend when it comes to preventing or soothing cuts caused by braces.

How to use it:

• Wash your hands and dry the area around the sore
• Roll a small ball of wax between your fingers
• Press it gently over the bracket or wire causing irritation
• Remove before eating or brushing, then reapply

✂️ DIY Filing: Can You Do It at Home?

Yes—**DIY filing** is safe in certain cases, especially if you have a bracket or wire with a sharp edge poking out.

Use these tools carefully:

• A clean nail file or orthodontic wax tool
• Smooth gently in one direction
• Never file directly on teeth or gums

💆♀️ Other Relief Tips for Braces Mouth Sores

In addition to wax and filing, here are a few ways to manage the pain and help your mouth heal faster:

• Salt water rinses: Mix 1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and swish gently
• Cold compress or ice chips: Helps numb and reduce swelling
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods while healing
• Topical gels: Ask your dentist about numbing products for stubborn sores

✂️ 1. Why Aligner Edges Feel Sharp

Though aligners are trimmed with precision, occasional rough spots or extra plastic can appear, especially around the gumline or molars. This can cause discomfort when talking, eating, or even just wearing them throughout the day.

Common causes include:

• A small overhang of plastic from manufacturing
• Edges that slightly dig into your gums
• Misaligned trimming due to shipping or storage

🛠 2. DIY Filing: Safe Self-Adjustment Tips

Yes, you can file your aligners at home—and when done right, it’s completely safe. Here's how to do it:

What you’ll need:

• A clean, unused emery board or fine-grit nail file
• Optional: a small nail buffer or soft cloth to finish

How to file:

• Identify the sharp or uncomfortable edge
• Gently file in one direction—not back and forth
• Smooth the edge with a buffer if needed
• Rinse the aligner in cool water and check the fit

✅ 3. When Filing Helps—and When It Doesn’t

Filing works best for:

• Minor rough spots or edges
• Preventing irritation to the tongue or cheeks
• Small discomforts during the first few days of a new tray

Avoid filing if:

• The tray feels loose or too tight overall
• There’s a visible crack in the aligner
• The fit changes after filing

🧊 4. Other Comfort Hacks to Try Before Filing

Not ready to file just yet? There are other ways to relieve discomfort from sharp edges:

• Orthodontic wax: Place a small piece over the sharp area
• Cold water rinse: Helps reduce swelling and irritation
• Chewies: Help seat the aligner more evenly, reducing rubbing
• Switch at night: Let your mouth adjust to a new tray while you sleep