Mouthguards are protective shields which fit over our teeth to prevent any damage to the jaw and teeth from issues like teeth grinding or clenching. However, the reasons why a person may need a mouthguard will vary.
There are two mouthguards which are commonly used, the first being nightguards, which are specifically designed for a person to wear as they sleep. The second is mouthguards, which are also known as sports guards, designed to be worn whilst playing very physical sports.
Night guards
Night guards are made to shield the mouth from damaging the jaw and teeth from issues such as clenching or grinding. Patients may not realise they are grinding or clenching their teeth, but there are signs which may signal that this is occurring.
- Aching pain within the jaw, neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Earaches
- The teeth are becoming worn
- Broken teeth or fillings
- Sensitive teeth
- Poor quality of sleep
Individuals who grind their teeth may do so for several reasons. It’s important to note that young children and teens are more prone to grinding their teeth, though this tends to subside in adulthood as all of their mature teeth have erupted.
Grinding and clenching at night can be linked to snoring and sleep disruption. It can also indicate more concerning conditions like sleep apnoea, which again disrupts sleep and can cause patients to grind.
Bad habits like smoking can be tied to bruxism. Overconsumption of alcohol and drug use have also been known to cause grinding and clenching.
Medications used to treat depression, such as SSRIs and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are also known to cause the side effects of bruxism.
Mouthguards
Daytime mouthguards, also named sports guards, are designed to protect the teeth, mouth and jaw from any potential traumas which can be caused by accidents in sports.
Most sports typically won’t necessitate the need for a mouthguard, however, there are some sports which are known to be more physical than others, these are called contact sports. Sports which also have moving or flying objects can cause an accident. These include:
- Rugby
- MA, mixed martial arts
- Gymnastics
- Football
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Baseball
- Basketball
If you or a child are already participating in these sports, it’s advised you get a mouthguard. This will help prevent any major trauma from occurring to the teeth and gums.
Patients who have injured their mouth as a result of sporting, are equally encouraged to act and get a mouthguard fitted. This can help shield the injured site whilst continuing to play sports.
Please contact us if you feel as though you’re experiencing the symptoms of bruxism or clenching. It’s important to catch the problem in its earliest stages to prevent long-term, irreversible damage to the jaw, teeth and gums.