Is There a Difference Between a Sports Mouthguard and a Night Guard?
At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, we believe in prevention rather than treating dental injuries after they occur. That’s why we encourage our valued patients who engage in contact sports or those who habitually grind their teeth to wear protective mouthguards. Here’s all you need to know about sports mouthguards and night guards.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are oral devices you wear during sports activities or in your sleep to safeguard your smile. There are numerous types of mouthguards available for purchase over-the-counter, including stock or boil and bite, but the best and most protective ones are those we custom-make for you, right here at our Milwaukee, WI office!
Sports Mouthguards Overview
Dental injuries are among the most common contact sports injuries. Studies show that athletes not wearing protective mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer mouth injuries. Sports mouthguards have been proven to reduce the risk of broken teeth, injuries to the face and jaw, and lacerations to the lips, gums, and tongue. They also prevent accidentally biting the tongue or cheeks. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sports mouthguards used in high school and college football prevent about 200,000 dental injuries each year!
Night Guards Overview
Night grinding, a potentially serious condition known as bruxism, is often caused by sleep disorders, stress, worry, an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. Symptoms of bruxism include headaches, jaw or tooth pain, and fractured or unevenly worn teeth. Sleeping with a night guard prepared by your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry will protect your teeth and reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of night grinding. You can enjoy restful, pain-free sleep once again!
Is There a Difference Between a Sports Mouthguard and a Night Guard?
A sports mouthguard is designed to protect an athlete’s teeth from damage due to an accident or a physical blow to the face. That’s why we use a thick, soft, and cushioning material that extends to cover the entire jaw and even the gum tissue to ensure your whole mouth is protected. A night guard, on the other hand, is meant to protect from the clenching and grinding forces during sleep. That’s why we use a thinner protective material that only covers the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Custom Sports Mouthguards and Night Guards Near Me
Contact Kraklow Quality Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, to learn more about our custom sports mouthguards and night guards and how they prevent dental injuries. We are all about maintaining healthy teeth and beautiful smiles for a lifetime. Call us and schedule your appointment today!