Mouthguards & Night Guards
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Mouthguards & Night Guards
When a patient is diagnosed with bruxism, a teeth grinding problem, a few remedies may be suggested to resolve the issue. The most popular of which is a night guard. Not exactly a treatment, the night guard does not really stop the habit of teeth clenching and grinding, but it helps the patient prevent possible damage to his teeth. The sleep mouth guard is an oral appliance that the patient wears during sleep so that it can absorb all the grinding and clenching forces. This custom-made dental night guard that the dentist prescribes is different from the sports mouthguard. First of all they are made of different materials; but they are also meant to serve a different purpose in the mouth.
Material
A sport mouthguard is usually made with a thicker material and given its purpose, it is made to extend to cover the entire jaw, even the gum issue so that the entire mouth can be protected. When an athlete has his mouth guards made, he can make a decision to incorporate his team colors with the appliance or even the team logo or sign. Sports guards may be fabricated so that it is part of the team uniform. There are different dyes that may be added to the acrylic material, so that some color may be incorporated.
Function
Both a night guard and a mouthguard are meant to protect teeth, but they protect your teeth in different ways. A night guard functions by protecting the teeth surfaces from being worn down from constant grinding and clenching. A sport mouth guard is primarily worn to protect the teeth and mouth in case of sudden, hard impact. As a result, while a night guard may be made from durable hard acrylic plastic to withstand grinding over a long period of time, a sport mouthguard is usually made from a softer material that can absorb the force of sudden impact. And while a dental night guard only needs to cover the occlusal surface of your teeth, a sport mouth guard should cover your teeth including your gums.
How Can a Mouthguard Help?
When there’s direct impact to the lower part of your face, the force can travel through your jaw, teeth and even the upper part of your skull. This can increase the risk of injuries like front teeth fractures and even concussions. Blows to your lower jaw might cause the jaws to slam together and damage both rows of teeth. Mouthguards act as a buffer for these kinds of impact. The spongy material helps to absorb the shock and lessen the force applied to your teeth, jaws or skull.
When to Wear a Mouthguard During Sport
Mouthguards should be worn during games and training. Basically, it’s best to wear a mouthguard any time there’s a risk of impact to your face. Sports Medicine and the International Dental Association recommend that regardless of whether the sport you play is considered a ‘contact sport’ or not, you’re encouraged to wear a mouthguard any time you’re on the field.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard or Night Guard
- Custom-fitted: Constructed and fitted by a dental professional, a customized mouthguard provides the best protection for your teeth. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a plaster model to get the closest possible fit. The mouthguard needs to be at least 4mm thick, with a cushioning effect that provides protection against impact. It fits snugly so it’s still possible to talk – an important aspect during an intense match.
- Boil-and-bite: Over-the-counter mouthguards that are self-fitted by immersing in hot water then biting into the mouthguard so it takes the shape of the teeth and mouth. It’s less effective and can be more uncomfortable as it doesn’t conform as well to the person’s bite and anatomy of the jaw. However, if you’re in a fix, a boil-and-bite mouthguard is better than no mouthguard at all.
Will a Mouthguard Affect My Performance?
However, some studies did report negative effects when wearing boil-and-bite mouthguards because of discomfort or breathing difficulties. A poor fit is usually the culprit in these cases. This is another reason why it’s important to invest in a custom-made mouthguard.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard and Night Guard
Most importantly, remember to bring it home after the game. If it’s left in the car, for example, the heat can destroy the shape, rendering it useless.
Mouthguards for Kids
Many kids experience a dental injury when they’re playing sport. If your child isn’t keen on the idea of wearing a mouthguard, it can be helpful to point out sports idols who wear one. Most popular sports have star players who wear mouthguards. For example, LeBron James and other American NBA players are often spotted with their mouthguards. Mouthguards can prevent dental injuries regardless of your age, so it’s important for athletes of all ages to consider.
Inspection Time
Remember, if a mouthguard or night guard starts to feel uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well, see your dentist for help.
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