A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn over the teeth, typically during sleep, to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These devices create a protective barrier that absorbs clenching and grinding forces, preventing excessive wear on tooth enamel. The answer to whether you can drink water with a night guard in is a clear yes, as plain, cool water is the only liquid completely safe for the appliance and your oral health.
Guard Material Integrity and Water Safety
Night guards are constructed from durable, medical-grade materials designed to be non-reactive when exposed to saliva and the neutral pH of plain water. Water does not cause chemical degradation, erosion, or discoloration of the guard material itself.
The primary consideration for the guard’s physical integrity is temperature. Cool or room-temperature water is completely safe and poses no threat to the appliance’s structure. However, exposure to high temperatures can be extremely damaging. Excessive heat causes the thermoplastic materials to soften, leading to deformation, warping, or a loss of the custom fit, which renders the device ineffective.
Hygiene Implications of Drinking While Wearing the Guard
While water is safe for the night guard material, wearing the appliance while consuming any liquid introduces hygiene considerations. The guard covers the teeth and gum line, creating a sealed environment that can trap bacteria and moisture. This encourages the formation of a biofilm on the guard’s surface.
Even when drinking water, the guard acts as a physical shield, limiting the natural cleansing action of saliva over the covered teeth. Bacteria and plaque can multiply quickly in this warm, moist environment. For this reason, it is recommended to rinse both the night guard and your mouth with water after drinking. This quick rinse helps remove debris and limits the buildup of bacterial film that contributes to bad breath and potential dental issues.
Liquids That Must Be Avoided
All beverages except plain, cool water must be avoided while wearing a night guard to protect the appliance and your dental health. Sugary drinks, including sodas, fruit juices, and sweetened teas, pose a significant risk because sugar gets trapped between the guard and the teeth. This sugar feeds the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which produce acids that rapidly demineralize tooth enamel, leading to a much higher risk of decay and cavities.
Acidic drinks, such as black coffee, tea, wine, and carbonated beverages, are problematic due to their low pH levels, even if they are sugar-free. These acids can chemically erode the guard material over time, potentially compromising its fit and structural integrity. Furthermore, highly pigmented liquids like coffee and red wine can cause staining and discoloration of the acrylic or vinyl.
Hot liquids present the most immediate threat to the appliance itself. The heat can permanently damage the custom shape, causing thermoplastic materials to soften and warp when exposed to hot beverages. This warping instantly destroys the precise fit required for the guard to function correctly, requiring a costly replacement.