Mouthguards are available without a prescription or a dentist’s appointment, but these generic models will likely not fit the patient's mouth perfectly. Dental appliances that are not custom-made may cause chafing, mouth sores, and an overall feeling of discomfort for the patient. Over-the-counter guards may suffice as a temporary protective appliance for the teeth, but patients who suffer from moderate to severe bruxism or who need a more comfortable guard for long hours of sports practice can benefit from talking to a general dentist about being fitted for a quality mouthguard that will last for years.
While mouthguards can be crafted to fit over a patient’s top or bottom teeth, the style, thickness, and material is decided upon by the general dentist. The dentist collaborates with the patient to decide which type of guard is the most appropriate.
Patients who suffer from tooth grinding, or bruxism, may contend with frequent headaches as well as jaw soreness and stiffness. While bruxism patients may think that these uncomfortable and often painful symptoms are a fact of life, many are not aware that teeth grinding can lead to more severe concerns like temporomandibular joint pain and cracked teeth. Grinding is unlikely to permanently damage teeth in the short term, but if the friction continues over weeks or years, tooth enamel and even the teeth themselves can be worn down.
Patients who are at higher risk for damaging teeth as a result of bruxism may be prescribed a thicker guard than those who have a milder form of the condition. These mouthguards can be worn at any time of day, but they are most often worn at nighttime when grinding cannot be consciously controlled.
Individuals who play sports with a high risk of injury, such as football, hockey, basketball, and boxing, can benefit from wearing a mouthguard. This type of guard is designed to protect the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, and gums as well as the teeth during intense periods of physical activity. Sports mouthguards are generally bigger than nightguards as they are designed to safeguard against dental trauma. Younger athletes may be interested to know that sports mouthguards often come in a range of colors.
