Bruxism is common teeth grinding and clenching problem. To prevent this habit from damaging the teeth, dentists usually recommend a dental night guard or a dental mouth guard against their patients. But what is the difference between a dental night guard and a dental mouth guard? Can they serve the same purpose? Can they be used for the same dental problem?
Well, firstly, they are made of different materials and serve different purposes. While a night guard is worn when the person sleeps to prevent teeth grinding, a mouth guard is used by athletes and sportsman to protect their teeth and keep them from accidents during a game, especially in contact sports.
The night guard is made of a thin yet strong material. The size and thickness of the night guard are made in a way that while protecting the teeth, the night guard also allows the person to get undisturbed sleep as it not uncomfortable inside the mouth. The night guard can withstand your teeth grinding while you sleep.
On the other hand, the mouth guard is made with a thicker yet softer material, which can absorb high-intensity shocks and impacts when the player falls on his face or collides with other players. The sharp and sudden shock is often strong enough to damage the teeth and this is exactly what the mouth guard is used for.
Mouth guards can also be dyed in a different color which means you can get one in your favorite color. Some teams have made mouth guards a part of their uniform with the same color and even logos imprinted on them.
Both the guards are supposed to protect your teeth but different ways and different situations. Therefore, talk to your dentist if you suffer from bruxism or participate in contact sports about the best option for protecting your teeth.
