Mouthguards are appliances that cover teeth. Your dentist or athletic trainer may have recommended one for you or your child. There are many types of mouthguards that can be custom-made for your mouth and used in a variety of situations. A mouthguard can benefit both adults and children.
Mouthguards come in a variety of forms; some are soft while others are hard. Some mouthguards fit over your top teeth, while others fit over your lower teeth.
Types of mouthguards:
1) Sports mouthguard
A mouthguard is most commonly used for sports activities. It not only protects teeth from sports-related injuries but also decreases the chances of a concussion in contact sports. This type of mouthguard is generally worn over the top teeth and can be store-bought or custom-made by your dentist. It is usually constructed from soft acrylic material.
Some sports where mouthguards are recommended by the American Dental Association include: football, basketball, hockey, boxing, along with many others.
2) Teeth grinding
Many people wake up in the morning with a sore jaw from grinding their teeth in their sleep. They may also be told by a family member that they grind their teeth while sleeping. This grinding can be very damaging to your teeth and may cause Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems. To prevent teeth grinding, your dentist will create a custom mouthguard for you, made from acrylic. It has to be made to your specific bite in order to be effective. It can be used on either top or bottom teeth.
3) Snoring and sleep apnea
Custom-made mouthguards for sleep apnea attach to both your upper and lower teeth. This type of guard repositions your jaw to help open up your airway while you sleep. These are complex mouthguards that are prescribed and made by dentists.
If you wear a mouthguard, it’s a good idea to bring it with you to your dental appointments. Make sure it's clean so that your dentist can take a look at it. It may need to be adjusted if you have any major dental work done. If you notice teeth grinding or clenching in your sleep or if you start a new sport, talk to your dentist to find out if a mouthguard is needed.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
