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Mouth Guards & Night Guards
Mouthguards and Nightguards
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The purpose of mouthguards and nightguards

Mouthguards and nightguards play an important role in protecting the smile. Whether you are signed up for athletics such as football or soccer and need a mouthguard to wear during play or are struggling with issues such as bruxism, Dr. Erik G. Grothouse will often recommend customized appliances. He sees Indianapolis, Indiana, area patients regularly seeking mouthguards and nightguards for sports and sleeping.

What types of guards are available at the practice of Erik G. Grothouse, DDS?

  • Mouthguards. A mouthguard is best described as a protective appliance worn during high-impact sports to reduce the risk of significant damage or trauma to the mouth. Athletic mouthguards are essential and often recommended by school sports teams. While there are boil-and-bite appliances available over the counter, these will not protect the teeth and gums, as well as a customized sports guard from the practice of Dr. Grothouse.
  • Nightguard. Alternatively, some patients may need a nightguard to protect their smiles. Nightguards are worn while patients sleep to reduce the risk of damage from conditions such as bruxism. Bruxism is a unique condition that can subconsciously cause the clenching and grinding of teeth. It can ultimately cause damage to the teeth, including chips, cracks, and bite misalignment. By wearing a customized nightguard, patients can protect their teeth and reduce the tension that often causes headaches and migraines in the morning.

Caring for your oral appliance

Dr. Grothouse will educate you on caring for your mouthguard and nightguard to keep them clean and fully functioning. If the appliance no longer fits or changes in the mouth occur that cause improper fit, it will no longer work as needed, and a replacement will need to be fabricated.

How do I find out more about mouthguards and nightguards?

Indianapolis, IN, area patients struggling with bruxism or who are going to be participating in high-contact, high-impact sports will want to talk to Dr. Erik G. Grothouse about customized appliances. Call (317) 823-1780 to request an appointment at the office, conveniently located at 7962 Oaklandon Road, Suite #105.