What type of Mouth Guard should you use every day
Mouthguards are protective dental devices with benefits beyond sports. Dr. Sanjita Karna, a dentist at SK Vision Dentistry in Seven Hills, Sydney, recognizes their importance in protecting teeth from injury and conditions like teeth grinding, snoring, and TMJ disorders. This article explores mouthguard types to help you choose the right one for daily oral health.
Understanding Mouthguards
A mouthguard is a protective covering for the teeth. Its primary function is to shield teeth from damage, including sports injuries and harm from habits or medical conditions. Daily mouthguard use can prevent dental injuries, reduce teeth grinding, alleviate snoring, and manage TMJ disorder symptoms. Understanding the types of mouthguards is key to making the right choice.
Types of Mouthguards
The main types of mouthguards are:
- Stock mouthguards
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards
- Custom-fit mouthguards
Each offers different levels of protection, comfort, and suitability for daily wear.
Stock Mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear, available in limited sizes. Found in pharmacies and sporting goods stores, they’re the most affordable. However, their pre-formed nature often leads to an uncomfortable, poor fit, making speaking and breathing difficult. Stock mouthguards aren’t recommended for consistent daily use due to the poor fit and inadequate protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. Users bite down to mold them to their teeth, offering a better fit than stock mouthguards. They are affordable and available in drug and sporting goods stores. Popular for athletes and occasional teeth grinders, they can be challenging to mold properly and may lack full coverage of posterior teeth. Their protective thickness can decrease during molding. While better than stock mouthguards, their daily use suitability depends on proper molding and the application.
Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Custom-fit mouthguards are designed by a dentist from precise dental impressions. They offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. Though more expensive, they provide long-term value by preventing extensive dental issues. They are suited for daily use for conditions like severe teeth grinding, snoring, mild sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders. Materials include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, acrylic resins, and BPA-free polymers. Their tailored design least interferes with speaking and breathing, making them ideal for consistent daily wear for specific oral health concerns.
Mouthguard Comparison
| Type of Mouthguard | Primary Use Cases for Daily Wear | Key Benefits | Key Drawbacks | Typical Cost | Lifespan |
| Stock Mouthguards | Very mild, occasional teeth grinding | Cost-effective, readily available | Uncomfortable, poor fit, limited protection, bulky | Short | |
| Boil-and-Bite | Mild to moderate teeth grinding, occasional sports use | More comfortable and better fit than stock, affordable | Requires proper molding, can be bulky, variable protection | 3-6 months | |
| Custom-Fit | Moderate to severe teeth grinding, snoring, mild sleep apnea, TMJ disorders | Best fit, most comfortable, superior protection, durable | Higher cost | 1-5+ years |
Daily Use of Mouthguards for Specific Conditions
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is involuntary grinding or clenching, often during sleep. It can cause wear and tear, enamel erosion, and increase the risk of cavities and root canals. A mouthguard, especially a custom-fit night guard, provides a protective barrier between teeth. Night guards can also reduce jaw pain, headaches, and facial soreness from bruxism. Consistent use of a fitted mouthguard is important in reducing the harmful effects of bruxism.
Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea
Custom-fit mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can manage snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. They reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing airflow. Mouthguards for sleep apnea are typically custom-fit. Individuals suspecting sleep apnea should consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment, as it can have serious health implications.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles, causing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Teeth grinding and clenching can worsen TMJ symptoms. Custom-fit mouthguards, especially night guards, can help manage TMJ symptoms by reducing teeth grinding, stabilizing the jaw joint, and relaxing jaw muscles. Dentists often recommend them as part of TMJ treatment. Consulting a dentist is essential for determining the appropriate mouthguard and management strategy.
Recommendations from Dental Associations
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) acknowledge the role of mouthguards in protecting oral health. The ADA recommends them for sports and recreation to reduce dental injuries, emphasizing comfort, tear resistance, and proper fit without restricting speech or breathing. The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends custom-fitted mouthguards for contact sports, citing their superior protection, comfort, and stability over boil-and-bite options. Both associations stress mouthguard use during games and training.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for a Mouthguard
| Symptom | Potential Underlying Condition(s) |
| Jaw pain upon waking | Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) |
| Teeth grinding/clenching | Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) |
| Morning headaches | Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) |
| Loud snoring | Mild Sleep Apnea |
| Daytime fatigue (potential) | Mild Sleep Apnea |
| Jaw clicking or popping | TMJ Disorders |
| Pain when opening or closing mouth | TMJ Disorders |
| Headaches, ear pain | TMJ Disorders |
| Chipped or worn teeth | Potential Bruxism |
| Increased tooth sensitivity | Potential Bruxism |
If you have these symptoms, daily mouthguard use may be needed. Consult a dental professional to determine the cause and treatment.
Mouthguard Hygiene: Cleaning and Storage
Proper cleaning and storage maintain hygiene, effectiveness, and mouthguard longevity.
Cleaning Stock and Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Rinse mouthguards with cool water after each use. Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild, alcohol-free soap. Air dry before storing. Occasionally, use an alcohol-free mouthwash or denture cleaner. Avoid hot water. A baking soda and water paste can clean and remove odors.
Cleaning Custom-Fit Mouthguards
Clean custom-fit mouthguards like stock and boil-and-bite types. Rinse with cool water and gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Be cautious with cleaning solutions that might be too harsh. Follow specific cleaning instructions from your dentist. Non-abrasive soaps or specialized cleaners are recommended.
Storing All Types of Mouthguards
Store mouthguards in a clean, ventilated case when not in use. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent bacterial growth. Keep them away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and pets. Regularly clean the storage case. Refrigeration can further inhibit bacterial growth.
Conclusion
The best mouthguard for daily use depends on individual needs and oral health concerns. Stock mouthguards are inexpensive but ill-fitting, making them unsuitable for daily wear. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a better fit and are more affordable than custom options, suitable for occasional use or mild teeth grinding. For issues like moderate to severe teeth grinding, snoring, mild sleep apnea, or TMJ disorders, custom-fit mouthguards are most effective due to their superior fit, comfort, and targeted protection. Consulting a dentist, like Dr. Sanjita Karna at SK Vision Dentistry, is essential to determine the most appropriate mouthguard. Using a recommended daily mouthguard can significantly contribute to long-term dental well-being.
Book an appointment online or contact us to know more.
References
- Types of Mouth Guards & How They Protect Your Teeth – Cleveland Clinic, accessed March 26, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
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- Mouth guard for grinding teeth: Options and when to see a dentist – Medical News Today, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mouth-guard-for-grinding-teeth
- Mouthguard Use in Sports – American College of Prosthodontists, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/Mouthguard_Use_in_Sports_Position_Statment.pdf
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- How to Clean Mouthguards: At Home, with Chemicals, and More – Healthline, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-mouthguard
- How to properly care for your new Night Guard Rinse Immediately after Wearing Brush the Night Guard with your Toothbrush Lay you, accessed March 26, 2025, https://shc.uci.edu/sites/default/files/docs/How%20to%20Care%20for%20your%20Nightguard.pdf
- Cleaning A Mouth Guard | Colgate®, accessed March 26, 2025, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/cleaning-a-mouth-guard
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