A
mouthguard (UK: gumshield) 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
TMD, 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.