Nightguards and Sportsguards in Blackwell

Night Guards vs. Sport Mouth Guards: Which One is Right for You?

Do you grind your teeth at night or love to play sports? Both of these activities can be a source of stress and discomfort for your jaw. In order to protect yourself, you may consider investing in either a night guard or sport mouth guard. But which one is right for you? Read on as we compare the benefits and drawbacks of each option so that you can make an informed decision about how best to safeguard your smile!

What are Dental Night Guards & Sport Mouth Guards?

There are a few different types of mouthguards available on the market today. Two of the most popular options are dental night guards and sport mouth guards. So, which one is right for you?

Dental night guards are primarily used to protect your teeth from grinding at night. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), then a dental night guard can help to prevent damage to your teeth and jaw. Sport mouth guards, on the other hand, are designed to protect your teeth and jaws from injury during athletic activities.

Depending on your needs, one type of mouthguard may be better suited for you than the other. If you’re not sure which type of mouthguard is right for you, talk to your dentist or doctor for guidance.

Types of Dental Night Guards

There are three main types of dental night guards: over-the-counter (OTC) boil-and-bite, custom-made, and do-it-yourself (DIY).

1. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite night guards: These are the most affordable type of night guard and can be bought at most drugstores. They come in preformed sizes that you have to mold to fit your teeth by boiling them in water and then biting into them. While they aren’t as comfortable or effective as custom guards, they can still help protect your teeth from grinding at night.

2. Custom-made night guards: Custom night guards are made by taking an imprint of your teeth so that they fit snugly and comfortably over them. They’re more expensive than OTC options but provide the best protection against tooth grinding.

3. Do-it-yourself night guards: DIY night guards are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more affordable option than custom ones. There are a few different methods for making them, but the most common is to use a soft material like putty or clay to make an impression of your teeth, which is then used to create a mold for the guard. While DIY guards aren’t as comfortable or durable as custom ones, they can still provide some protection against tooth grinding.

Benefits & Risks of Using a Night Guard

There are many benefits to using a night guard, including:

1. Protection from teeth grinding: If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), a night guard can protect your teeth from the damage caused by this habit.

2. Reduced risk of TMJ pain: Night guards can also help to reduce the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, by providing support for the jaw and preventing it from moving too much.

3. Improved sleep quality: By protecting your teeth from grinding and other damage, a night guard can help you to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling well-rested.

There are also some risks associated with using a night guard, including:

1. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in night guards, such as latex or silicone. If you have any allergies, be sure to let your dentist know before you get fitted for a night guard.

2. Difficulty breathing: In very rare cases, people may find it difficult to breathe through their nose while wearing a night guard. If this happens, you should stop using the night guard and consult with your dentist.

3. Mouth sores: Some people may develop mouth sores from wearing a night guard if it does not fit properly or if they are allergic to the materials used. Again, if you experience any problems, be sure to consult with your dentist.

How to Choose the Right Type of Night Guard

There are many different types of night guards available on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a night guard:

1. The type of teeth grinding you do. If you grind your teeth heavily, you’ll need a stronger, thicker night guard to protect your teeth.

2. The size and shape of your mouth. Make sure the night guard you choose fits well and is comfortable to wear.

3. Whether you want a custom-made or over-the-counter night guard. Custom-made night guards are usually more expensive but they’re also more comfortable and effective at preventing teeth grinding.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect night guard for you!

Types of Sport Mouth Guards

There are two main types of sport mouth guards: custom-fitted and boil-and-bite. Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by taking an impression of your teeth and then having a dental lab create a mouth guard specifically for you. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are available at most sporting goods stores and can be fitted to your teeth at home by boiling the guard in water and then biting into it to create an impression of your teeth.

Both custom-fitted and boil-and-bite mouth guards offer good protection for your teeth, but custom-fitted mouth guards are generally more comfortable and provide better fit and coverage than boil-and-bite guards. If you play contact sports or participate in any activity where there is a risk of getting hit in the mouth, it’s important to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage.

Benefits & Risks of Using a Sport Mouth Guard

A sport mouth guard is a great way to protect your teeth while playing sports. They are comfortable to wear and can help prevent serious dental injuries. However, there are some risks associated with using a sport mouth guard. Here are some things to consider before using a sport mouth guard:

Benefits:

1. Protects your teeth from damage.
2. Helps prevent concussions and other brain injuries.
3. Reduces the risk of developing TMJ disorders.
4. Can be custom-fitted to your teeth for maximum comfort and protection.

Risks:

1. If not properly fitted, a sport mouth guard can actually increase the risk of dental injuries by trapping your tongue between your teeth or forcing your jaw into an unnatural position.
2. Mouth guards can make it difficult to breathe, so it’s important to make sure you can still breathe comfortably while wearing one.
3. Some people may be allergic to the materials used in mouth guards, so it’s important to test one before using it on a regular basis.

How to Choose the Right Type of Sport Mouth Guard

If you participate in any type of sport that involves contact, it’s important to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards can help protect your teeth from being broken or knocked out. They can also help prevent concussions.

There are two main types of mouthguards: night guards and sport mouth guards. Night guards are worn at night to prevent teeth grinding. Sport mouth guards are worn during sports to protect the teeth from injury.

So, how do you know which type of mouthguard is right for you? It depends on the type of sport you play and your personal preference. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a sport mouth guard:

The level of protection you need: If you play a contact sport such as football or hockey, you’ll need a mouth guard that offers more protection than one for a non-contact sport like basketball or volleyball.

The fit: A good fit is important for comfort and proper function. Make sure the mouth guard fits snugly but isn’t too tight. It should stay in place while you’re wearing it but be easy to take out when you want to remove it.

Comparison Between Dental Night Guards and Sports Mouth Guards

There are a few key differences between dental night guards and sports mouth guards. First, night guards are generally made of a softer material, while sports mouth guards are usually made of a harder material. This is because night guards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding against each other during the night, while sports mouth guards are designed to protect your teeth from being hit by a hard object (such as a ball).

Second, night guards are custom-made to fit your specific mouth, while sports mouth guards come in pre-formed sizes. This is because it’s important that a night guard fits snugly against your teeth in order to be effective, while a sports mouth guard just needs to be large enough to cover your teeth.

Source: BURST Oral Care

Finally, night guards can be worn all night long (or at least for several hours), while sports mouth guards should only be worn during actual physical activity. This is because you don’t need to wear a night guard all day long in order to prevent tooth grinding at night, but you do need to wear a sports mouth guard any time you’re playing a sport or participating in another physical activity where there is a risk of your teeth being hit.

Conclusion

Deciding between night guards and sport mouth guards can be a difficult decision, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information, you can make an informed decision that will help protect your teeth from damage while also ensuring your comfort and safety. Whether you choose a night guard or a sport mouth guard, both are excellent options for protecting your dental health. Be sure to visit your dentist so they can assess which one is right for you.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a night guard and a sport mouth guard?

Night guards are typically made of soft, flexible material and are worn over the teeth at night to protect them from clenching and grinding. Sport mouth guards are made of harder material and are worn during physical activity to protect the teeth from impact.

2. Which one should I choose?

It depends on your needs. If you have problems with clenching or grinding your teeth at night, a night guard may be a good option for you. If you participate in contact sports or other activities where there is a risk of dental injury, a sport mouth guard may be a better choice.

3. How do I know if I need a night guard or sport mouth guard?

Only a dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you need a night guard or sport mouth guard. They will take into account your dental history, symptoms, and lifestyle to make a recommendation.