The two types of protective guards are worn for different reasons, but the most critical part of having any guard is the stick-to-itiveness of the patient. Your guard will do you no good if you habitually forget or decline to wear it. In addition to knowing your own habits, here are some other considerations before getting a guard.
Mouthguards
Anyone who competes or just plays in sports regularly should invest in a mouthguard to protect not only the teeth and gums, but also from serious head injuries such as concussions. Of course, if you participate in any contact sport, you should definitely get a mouthguard. You should also get a mouthguard for any activity where you are likely to experience a jarring motion or a fall, such as skiing, rollerblading, skateboarding, weightlifting, or horseback riding.
Nightguards
A nightguard prevents you from damaging your teeth by clenching or grinding. The following questions may help you determine if you grind your teeth and if a nightguard might be appropriate for you.
- Are you aware of clenching or grinding your teeth, either during the day or at night?
- Are your tooth surfaces worn?
- Do you frequently wake up with a headache or sore jaws?
- Does your jaw click or pop when you open or close it?
- Do you experience any pain when you yawn?
- Are your teeth sensitive to temperature, especially cold?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is likely that you grind or clench your teeth at night.
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