Understanding Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is a protective appliance worn over the teeth. There exist 2 different types of mouth guards: a normal mouth guard and a night guard. This device does exactly as it is named. Its purpose is to guard/protect our teeth from physical trauma or damage. The difference between the two lies in the material it is made from, as well as the purpose it serves.
Night Guard
A night guard is intended to be worn while sleeping at night, specifically by patients who have a habit of grinding/clenching their teeth while asleep, also known as nocturnal bruxism. The night guard can be custom-made to fit each individual patient, comfortably. The process starts by your dental professional taking an impression of your mouth to obtain the correct measurements needed. The night guard is then fabricated by a dental lab, using a thin but firm material to withstand the biting forces when grinding your teeth. This will allow the patient to still have a comfortable sleep while wearing the appliance. Often times, a patient may not even be aware that they have nocturnal bruxism. This can be diagnosed by your dentist during routine checkups, or could be prompted by symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity. Bruxism can have serious long-term effects if left untreated, which includes jaw dysfunction, cracked/broken teeth, migraines, clicking/locking jaw joint. By wearing a night guard, you could reduce the strain on your jaw that comes with teeth grinding.
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Athletic Mouth Guard
The other type of mouth guard is typically worn by athletes/sportsmen to protect their teeth from damage, especially during contact sports. This type of guard is made with a thicker, softer material which can absorb the shock or impact that comes with collisions or blows to the mouth and face during sports. This will protect the teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues in the mouth. In addition to being used as protective gear, this will also give peace of mind to players, allowing them to focus on their sporting activities without fear of injury.
Importance of Mouth Guards
