The terms “gum shield” and “mouthguard” are often used interchangeably. However, they have some mild but important differences to remember when deciding which is best for your needs. 

Nightguards are another popular option, and are particularly effective in protecting teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. 

Understanding the primary functions and key differences between gum shields, mouthguards, and night guards will help you make an informed decision about what will provide the most protection, whether you’re playing sports, looking to prevent nighttime grinding, or treating other oral health needs.

Understanding the Terminology: Gum Shield vs. Mouthguard vs. Night Guard

Before deciding on whether a gum shield, mouthguard, or night guard is best for your needs, you’ll first need to understand the terminology frequently used to refer to each of these products: 

• Gum Shield: A term often used in UK or European contexts, typically referring to a sports mouthguard that covers teeth and gums.
• Mouthguard: In many regions, a general term for devices worn during sports to cushion impact and prevent injuries.
• Night Guard: A guard specifically designed to prevent tooth damage from bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching during sleep.

Key Uses for Each Protective Device

Now that you understand what these items are typically referred to as, the next step is to understand what they are primarily designed for.  While gum shields, mouthguards, and night guards all work to protect teeth, they have slight variations that make them more ideal for some situations and not the best choice for others. 

• Gum Shield: Typically used for contact sports like rugby or boxing to protect gums and teeth from collision injuries. Gum shields are designed to absorb impact, reducing the risk of dental injuries. 
• Mouthguard: Generally used for a wide array of sports (such as soccer, football, hockey, and basketball) to safeguard against impact. While similar to gum shields, mouthguards sometimes put more focus on speech clarity and breathing than gum shields. 
• Night Guard: Addresses nighttime tooth grinding or jaw clenching, reducing enamel wear and jaw pain.

Materials and Fit Considerations

Gum shields and mouthguards are typically made with the same material, although there are multiple types of each available. These guards are often made from thermoplastic (also known as boil-and-bite) or custom-fitted EVA. 

When specially designed by a dentist, these guards fit your mouth perfectly, reducing discomfort and ensuring they stay in place. They are built for shock absorption, so that when impact occurs, the guard takes the brunt of the blow, rather than your teeth and gums. Over-the-counter options may also be available, but they will not provide as much protection, or fit as well, as boil-and-bite or custom-fitted guards. 

Night guards, meanwhile, are made with dense acrylic or dual-laminate. This allows for more durability against grinding forces. Like gum shields and mouthguards, night guards can be custom-fitted by a dentist to offer the best protection, comfort, and longevity. 

Choosing the Right One for You

When deciding which of the three guard options is best for you, you should first think about what the primary purpose is. 

If you’re a contact-sport athlete looking for protection against in-game collisions, contact with the ball, or falls, a gum shield or mouthguard will be best. Where you are located geographically will likely determine which of the two is more readily available. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for a bruxism solution and grind your teeth heavily overnight,  you should instead focus on a night guard. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, nearly 9% of the general population suffers from sleep bruxism.

Either way, opting for a custom-fitted guard made by a dentist rather than a generic over-the-counter product will provide more protection and be more comfortable.  If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consult with your dentist to determine what guard is best for your lifestyle and oral health goals.

Custom Mouthguards and Night Guards from Ideal Dental

Gum shields, mouthguards, and night guards provide excellent protection that prevents long-term damage to your enamel, teeth, and gums. However, choosing which one is best for you can depend on several factors, such as your location, the intended use, and your budget. 

If you’re in need of extra mouth protection, contact your local Ideal Dental location today to schedule an appointment to determine which guard is best for your needs.