Though they are not exactly the same, mouthguards and nightguards are both protective gear for teeth. Mouthguards are worn during participation in certain activities, such as sports, and nightguards are designed to be worn during times of rest, like when sleeping. Both are excellent options for preventing distress and injury to the mouth. If you're an athlete or just want to protect your smile when active, here's what you need to know about mouthguards.

Why Should You Wear a Mouthguard?

1. Protect the Mouth

Protective mouth gear is highly recommended for wear during contact sports. The risk of injuries is high, including jaw fractures, biting through a lip, cracking a tooth, or losing a tooth. Wearing a mouthguard provides extra padding between the upper and lower teeth, keeping them from knocking together, as well as a buffer between the front of the teeth and outside impacts. 

2. Preserve Bite and Prevent Discomfort   

There are different mouthguards that you can buy over-the-counter, but for the best results, get the piece fitted in a dentist's office. Like a nightguard, this customized device can help protect your bite—or the way the teeth fit together—as well as prevent headaches and jaw discomfort. This is meant to prevent sports injuries, however, instead of teeth grinding at night.

The better aligned the teeth, the less likely they are to cause problems. Wearing a fitted mouthguard can also prevent you from clenching your teeth, which can damage the bones and muscles around the jaw and lead to a disorder called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This can cause symptoms such as headaches, difficulty chewing, ear discomfort, locking the jaw open or closed. 

3. Save Money

Even though it may seem like a big initial investment, getting protective mouth gear is better and more affordable than restorative or cosmetic dentistry. Once teeth break or fall out, restorative dentistry becomes your only—costly—option. A mouthguard can also help prevent discomfort or potential expenses like physical therapy or medication due to conditions such as TMJ, jaw locking, or chronic headaches. 

If you need a dentist for a mouthguard, turn to Brian Perelmuter, DMD, PC in Naugatuck, CT. Dr. Perelmuter provides an array of dentistry services, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic solutions, to patients in a compassionate environment that focuses on education as well as treatment. For more information, visit the website and call (203) 729- 3323 today.