By Aspen Dental
When Should I Wear a Mouth Guard?
There are a couple different types of mouthguards. When you should wear your mouthguard depends on what it is used for.
Sports Mouthguards
You should wear a sports mouthguard while participating in any dangerous or contact sports or activities, including ice hockey, field hockey, in-line skating, skateboarding, boxing, wrestling, cycling, football, softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics.
Nightguard
Nightguards are an option if you experience bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), snoring, or sleep apnea (when the airway becomes blocked while sleeping andyou stop breathing). This mouthguard only needs to be worn while you are sleeping.
Stock Mouthguard
A stock mouthguard is the cheapest and can be found at sports equipment stores or drug stores. Consequentially, they can also be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and make it difficult to talk while wearing one. These are usually recommended if you only wear a mouthguard occasionally for sports.
Boil-and-bite Mouthguard
A boil-and-bite mouthguard is a step above a stock mouthguard. They can be purchased in most drugstores, and you can customize them to fit better to your teeth. To do this, boil the mouthguard to make it softer, then place it over your teeth and bite down. Boil-and-bite guards are recommended if you frequently play contact sports or to wear as a nightguard.
Custom-made Mouthguard
Custom-made mouthguards are the most expensive but also the highest quality type of mouthguard, and many dental insurance plans cover some of the cost. Your dentist will make a mold of your teeth and create a mouthguard that fits your teeth and mouth perfectly. These are the best option if you snore, have bruxism, or sleep apnea.
Give us a call at Aspen Dental for more information on mouthguards.