No, you shouldn’t use your sports mouthguard for teeth grinding or your nightguard to protect your teeth during gameplay. These are two different oral appliances that fit and function differently.
Oral appliance therapy addresses the following issues despite differing fabrication and intent:
- Nightguard: Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Nightguard: TMJ pain and discomfort
- Mouthguard: Sports protection
For example, a sports mouthguard used for teeth grinding may be bulky in the mouth, causing sore lips upon waking. Your nightguard has a slimmer fit for sleeping and the added ability to prevent the upper and lower jaw from coming together.
Your dentist in West Chester, OH, will discuss the options with you and provide specific details on how a mouthguard or nightguard can benefit you or your child.
Custom Sports Mouthguards for Safer Athletics
We customize your sports mouthguard for superior protection against stray balls and elbows. These are unlike the generic guards you purchase in sporting goods stores.
When the guard is not custom-fit, it can slide around in the mouth, creating sore spots and discomfort. Additionally, it will not provide the same level of protection as a customized appliance.
Custom Nightguards for Bruxism
Grinding and clenching your teeth during sleep can cause tooth fractures, tooth wear, jaw pain, jaw joint disorders, and generalized pain in the face, neck, and shoulder area. Over time, you may notice exaggerated musculature in front of the ears.
A custom nightguard fits gently over the teeth to prevent the jaws from connecting during sleep.
Your dentist will evaluate you for signs of bruxism and discuss treatment, including a nightguard for teeth grinding, in West Chester, OH!
Protecting Your Smile Is Our Priority
To schedule an evaluation with the dentist or if you have questions about appliance therapy, contact our dental team at (513) 779-2200.
We are happy to work with Springstone and CareCredit for easy patient financing.