A mouth guard is also known as a sports guard and mouth protector. It is a plastic appliance that is worn over teeth to cover and protect them from injury. A nightguard and a mouthguard should not be confused because they serve two different functions. A night guard is worn during sleep to prevent teeth from grinding against each other. As a result, night guards do not cover the entire tooth just the biting surface. A mouth or sports guard covers the whole tooth and a portion of the gum tissue properly fitted. It is usually worn on the top teeth, but the bottom teeth may need one in some cases. In any sport that has contact with other players or objects, a sports guard should be worn. Examples of games where a sports guard is needed are hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball, etc.

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