Bruxism and Athletic Mouthguards

Custom Mouthguards From Your Dentist In Appleton, WI

A mouthguard is an umbrella term that includes both nightguards and sport guards.

Sport guards are custom-fit appliances that are worn during athletic activity to reduce the risk of concussion and protect the teeth from trauma (displacement, avulsion, fracture, and nerve damage).

A nightguard is an appliance worn at night that helps prevent damage to the teeth in someone with a nocturnal (nighttime) clenching or grinding habit. Some designs can lessen the forces exerted by the jaws during grinding and clenching and may help alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

At Anne E. Siegrist DDS, SC, we make both custom nightguards and sports mouthguards. Our sports mouthguards are also available in custom designs. Contact our office today to learn more!

Bruxism and Nightguards

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, refers to excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw, usually occurring when one sleeps. If you wake up with jaw pain, tension headaches, or facial pain, you may be suffering from bruxism. Some people aren’t even aware they are grinding or clenching their teeth at night, until a visit to us reveals significant tooth enamel loss or damage to restorations.

Tension, stress, and anxiety experienced during the daytime can carry over to an individual’s sleep and lead the person to grind his or her teeth together or clench the teeth unknowingly. Regardless of the cause, however, frequent clenching and grinding wears down the chewing surfaces of the teeth, reduces tooth enamel, and can result in a cracked or chipped tooth, crown, or filling.



Custom-fabricated nightguards from your Appleton, WI dentist are a non-invasive and effective solution for bruxism and the tooth enamel damage it can cause. Nightguards are created by first taking an impression of the bottom and top rows of teeth, then crafted to fit your mouth exactly. The result is a nightguard that is flexible, comfortable, and personalized to your mouth

Athletic Mouthguards

Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries received by athletes. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from dental trauma. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, soccer, or a number of other sports or athletic activities, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you wear a mouthguard.



Sports mouthguards made by your Appleton dentist Dr. Siegrist are custom made to fit your mouth, so they offer better protection than store bought boil-and-bite style mouthguards. They are also less bulky and more comfortable to wear since they are designed for your specific mouth.

Taking Care of Your Mouthguard

Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by keeping it clean and storing it properly. You should also know when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:

• Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
• Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water; it may melt or become deformed.
• Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
• Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
• Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard.
• Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, and Dr. Siegrist can check to make sure it's still in good shape.