Night guards are to help prevent teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth and can also result in teeth wearing down to stumps. In severe cases grinding your teeth can lead to jaw problems, hearing loss, and even change the appearance of your face. Night guards keep you from grinding your teeth at night and help prevent the negative symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching.
Athletic mouth guards are custom made to protect the teeth during athletic activities. The American Dental Association urges all athletes to use mouth guards when engaging in physical activity. Dental injuries are very common in both contact (football, basketball) and non-contact sports (gymnastics, skating). Multiple studies have shown that mouth guards offer significant protection against sports-related injuries to the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth. It is estimated that injuries are two times more likely to occur when a mouth guard is not worn. If you or a family member participates in athletic activities ask about a custom fit night guard to help prevent and future injuries.