The pediatric population of this generation often faces a lot of stressful situations related to peer pressure and exposure and access to a vast amount of information through the mass and social media which is beyond their comprehension as well as their coping skills. Such unwarranted stressful situations may lead to psychological problems causing a condition called 'Bruxism' or night grinding of teeth. Apart from peer pressure, certain other causes of Bruxism include misaligned or overcrowded teeth, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, allergies, endocrine disorders, sleep disorders, and even intestinal parasites. Estimates of the incidence of bruxism range from 38% in patients below 17 years old to 74% of 15-18 years and 77% in 7-14 year olds. Few symptoms of night-time grinding include:

• Tenderness in the jaw and the muscles nearby

• Ear-ache

• Headache

• Increased tooth sensitivity due to their wearing off

Treatment modality of this condition ranges from psychological evaluation of the child and treatment of the underlying cause e.g.: correction of occlusion, dental restorations and medicines to treat intestinal parasites. One of the time -tested modalities for protection of the teeth and perioral muscles in bruxers is the use of mouthguards or nightguards.

A mouthguard (UK: gum-shield) is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums. A mouthguard is most often used to prevent injury in contact sports, as a treatment for bruxism or temporo mandibular disorders, or as part of certain dental procedures, such as tooth bleaching. Depending on application, it may also be called a mouth protector, mouth piece, gumshield, gumguard, nightguard, occlusal splint, bite splint, or bite plane.

Types of Mouth Guards

There are three types of mouth guards:

Stock and boil-and-bite mouth guards are usually found in most sporting goods stores. Athletic mouth guards can vary in comfort and cost. A custom-made mouth guard fabricated by a dentist or orthodontist is considered by many to be the most protective option.

The most effective mouth guard is resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should fit properly, be durable, be easy to clean and should not restrict speech or breathing. Generally, a mouth guard covers only the upper teeth. Occlusal splints (also called bite splints, bite planes, or night guards) are a type of removable mouth guards carefully molded to fit the upper or lower arches of teeth.They are used to protect tooth and restoration surfaces, manage mandibular (jaw) dysfunction, bruxism and stabilize the jaw joints during occlusion or create space prior to restoration procedures. 

Maintenance Of Your Mouth Guard: It is essential to maintain proper hygiene of a mouth guard to increase its longevity. Also, it should also be replaced once it becomes worn out because it will no longer offer optimal protection.

Methods for proper maintenance of mouthguard:

• Gently scrub it after each use with a toothbrush and soap solution. Do not use any abrasive as it will lead to wear and tear of the appliance

• Store it in its protective case

• To prevent it from melting or becoming deformed, keep it out of hot water or the sun

• Avoid chewing on it

• Replace it if it doesn't fit properly as well as when it wears off