Mouthguards: Types, Uses, and How to Choose and Care for One
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a removable dental appliance that covers the teeth, usually the upper teeth. Sports guards protect against chipped and knocked-out teeth, grinding guards protect teeth from clenching and may ease TMJ symptoms, and sleep apnea guards reposition the jaw to keep the airway open. Guards are store-bought or custom-made by a dentist. [1]
What the research says
Athletes who wear mouthguards have far fewer dental injuries. In a meta-analysis of contact-sport athletes, dento-alveolar trauma affected 7.75% of mouthguard users (n = 183) compared with 48.31% of non-users (n = 974), with an odds ratio of 0.18. (Fernandes et al., Dental Traumatology, 2019) [2]
Oral appliances cut breathing interruptions in sleep apnea at every severity level. Across 42 studies with 2,265 patients, oral appliances improved the apnea-hypopnea index by 48% in mild, 67% in moderate and 62% in severe obstructive sleep apnea. (Liao et al., Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2024) [3]
The benefit of jaw-advancing devices holds up over years of use. In 20 studies (546 patients) with at least 1 year of treatment, mandibular advancement devices lowered the apnea-hypopnea index by 16.77 events per hour and daytime sleepiness scores by 3.99 points. (Yu et al., PLoS One, 2023) [4]
Key takeaways
Mouthguards come in three types by purpose: sports guards, grinding (night) guards, and snoring/sleep apnea guards. [1]
Store-bought guards cost less but protect less well against grinding and sports injuries, and they are not appropriate for sleep apnea. [1]
Custom guards are fitted by a dentist, are generally more comfortable, and can last several years. [1]
Clean your teeth before putting the guard in, rinse it after each use, and keep it away from heat and pets. [1]
Who needs a mouthguard?
A mouthguard helps children and adults who play contact sports, grind or clench their teeth, snore, or have obstructive sleep apnea or a TMJ disorder. [1]
Common reasons to wear one:
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer and boxing
Activities with a high fall risk such as gymnastics, biking and ice skating
Snoring
Most mouthguards fit over the upper teeth. In some cases, a dentist may recommend a guard for the lower teeth too. [1]
What are the three main types of mouthguards?
The three main types of mouthguards are sports guards, grinding guards and snoring/sleep apnea guards, and each one does a different job. [1]
Type | Main purpose | When it is worn |
Sports guard | Protects against chipped and knocked-out teeth | During all practices and games |
Grinding guard (night guard) | Protects teeth from grinding and clenching; may ease TMJ symptoms | Day or night, but usually at night |
Snoring / sleep apnea guard | Shifts and repositions the jaw to keep the airway open | Every night during sleep |
Source: [1]
Sports guards
A sports guard is a mouthguard that cushions the teeth during contact sports and high-fall-risk activities. It helps prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth, damage to the tooth pulp, and injuries to the gums, lips and cheeks. If a tooth is already injured, see our guide to dental injuries and first aid. [1]
Grinding guards
A grinding guard is a mouthguard that sits between the upper and lower teeth to protect them from grinding and clenching. It may reduce tooth wear and ease TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches and facial pain. [1]
Snoring and sleep apnea guards
A sleep apnea guard is an oral appliance that moves the jaw forward to keep the airway open during sleep. Custom-made versions are a common first-line treatment for sleep apnea and can be used with or without a CPAP machine. [1]
Should you buy a store-bought or custom mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is the better choice for grinding, sports protection and sleep apnea, while a store-bought guard is a lower-cost option that protects less well. [1]
Store-bought guards come in two forms: stock guards, which are ready to wear, and boil-and-bite guards, which you adjust to your teeth at home. [1]
Feature | Stock | Boil-and-bite | Custom-made |
How you get it | Ready to wear from the store | Store-bought, shaped at home | Made by a dental lab from impressions of your teeth |
Fit and comfort | Not fitted to your teeth | Adjusted to your teeth at home | Fitted to your teeth; generally more comfortable |
Cost | Lower | Lower | Higher |
How long it lasts | May need replacing a few times a year | May need replacing a few times a year | Several years with proper care |
Grinding or sports protection | Less effective | Less effective | Better protection |
Sleep apnea | Not appropriate | Not appropriate | Common first-line treatment |
Source: [1]
How is a custom mouthguard made?
A custom mouthguard is made from impressions of your teeth that a dentist takes with putty or a digital scanning wand, and a dental lab then builds the guard. [1]
The dentist takes impressions of your teeth (putty or digital wand).
The impressions go to a dental lab.
The lab fabricates the guard to match your teeth.
You return to collect it; the dentist can adjust the fit.
The whole process can take up to two weeks. [1]
When and how often should you wear a mouthguard?
A sports guard should be worn during every practice and every game, while guards for grinding, snoring or sleep apnea are usually worn every night during sleep. If you are unsure about your own schedule, ask your dentist or doctor. [1]
What are the benefits of wearing a mouthguard?
A mouthguard protects teeth and soft tissues during sports and can reduce tooth wear, snoring, TMJ symptoms and sleep apnea complications when worn at night. [1]
Use | Benefits |
Sports | Helps prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth, damage to the tooth pulp, and injuries to the gums, lips and cheeks |
Sleep | May reduce tooth wear from grinding, snoring, TMJ symptoms (jaw pain, headaches, facial pain), and sleep apnea complications such as high blood pressure and daytime fatigue |
Source: [1]
Untreated sleep apnea has wider health effects. Read more in our guides to obstructive sleep apnea in adults and obstructive sleep apnea in children.
Does a mouthguard have side effects?
A mouthguard can cause soreness in the teeth, gums or jaw if it fits poorly, and a short adjustment period is normal with any new guard. [1]
Custom guards are usually more comfortable. A dentist can also adjust any mouthguard, including a store-bought one, to improve the fit. [1]
How do you clean and store a mouthguard?
A mouthguard stays clean and keeps its shape when you brush your teeth before wearing it, rinse and wash it after every use, let it air dry, and store it in a vented case away from heat and pets. [1]
Daily care checklist:
Brush first. Clean your teeth before you put the guard in, because guards collect bacteria.
Rinse cool. Rinse the guard in cool water after each use.
Scrub gently. Clean it with a brush and soapy water.
Air dry. Let it dry fully before storing.
Use a vented case. Store it in a sturdy case with air holes, especially when traveling.
Avoid heat and pets. Hot water and direct sunlight can warp the guard; keep it away from dogs and other pets. [1]
How long does a mouthguard last?
A custom mouthguard can last several years with proper care, while a store-bought guard may need replacing a few times a year. [1]
Who / which guard | Typical replacement |
Custom-made guard | Several years with proper care, depending on use |
Store-bought guard | May need replacing a few times a year |
Children and teens | More often, because their mouths are still growing |
Source: [1]
Bring your mouthguard to every dental checkup so your dentist can inspect it for wear or damage. [1]
Can you wear a mouthguard with braces, crowns or implants?
A mouthguard can be worn with braces, dental implants, crowns and bridges, and a custom-fitted guard works best in these cases. Learn more about dental restorations. [1]
Does dental insurance cover a custom mouthguard?
Some dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of a custom mouthguard, so check your policy before you order one. Payment plans and health savings account (HSA) funds may also be options. [1]
When should you see a dentist about a mouthguard?
You should see a dentist about a mouthguard if you play contact sports, or if you notice signs of tooth grinding, TMJ symptoms or sleep apnea symptoms. [1]
Contact a dentist or doctor if you have:
Signs of grinding: worn-down teeth
TMJ symptoms: jaw pain, chronic headaches or facial pain
Sleep apnea symptoms: daytime fatigue, headaches, irritability or gasping during sleep [1]
Sleep apnea needs a proper diagnosis before treatment. A store-bought guard is not an appropriate treatment for it. [1] For general background, see the sleep apnea overview from MedlinePlus and its page on tooth disorders.
Conclusion
A mouthguard is a simple device that protects your teeth, jaw and sleep. Sports guards prevent chipped and knocked-out teeth, night guards protect against grinding and may ease TMJ symptoms, and custom sleep apnea guards help keep the airway open. Store-bought guards are cheaper, but a custom guard from a dentist fits better, feels more comfortable and lasts longer. Whichever type you use, clean it after every use, store it in a vented case and bring it to your dental checkups. [1]
Next step: If you grind your teeth, wake up with jaw pain, snore loudly or play contact sports, book a visit with your dentist to find the right guard for you. Then keep learning with our guides to bruxism, temporomandibular disorders and mouth breathing.
FAQ
What is a mouthguard used for?
A mouthguard is used to protect the teeth during contact sports, to protect teeth from grinding and clenching, and to treat snoring and sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw. A dentist may also recommend one for TMJ symptoms.
Is a custom mouthguard better than a store-bought one?
A custom mouthguard is generally more comfortable and protects better against grinding and sports injuries than a store-bought guard. Custom guards cost more but last longer, and store-bought guards are not appropriate for sleep apnea.
How long does it take to get a custom mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard can take up to two weeks to make. The dentist takes impressions of your teeth with putty or a digital wand, and a dental lab builds the guard from them.
Can children wear a mouthguard?
Children can wear a mouthguard, and it helps protect their teeth during sports and high-fall-risk activities. Children and teens may need to replace their guards more often because their mouths are still growing.
How do you clean a mouthguard?
A mouthguard should be rinsed in cool water and cleaned with a brush and soapy water after each use, then left to air dry. Avoid hot water and direct sunlight, which can warp it.
Is it normal for a new mouthguard to feel uncomfortable?
A new mouthguard often needs a short adjustment period, which is normal. Soreness in the teeth, gums or jaw can mean a poor fit, and a dentist can adjust the guard.
Can a mouthguard help with sleep apnea?
A custom sleep apnea mouthguard can help by shifting the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, and it is a common first-line treatment. It can be used with or without a CPAP machine.
When should I replace my mouthguard?
A store-bought mouthguard may need replacing a few times a year, while a custom guard can last several years with proper care. Bring your guard to dental checkups so your dentist can check it for wear.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is recommended for any sport with a risk of contact, falls or flying objects. This includes football, hockey, basketball, soccer, boxing, martial arts, skateboarding and biking.
Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes. People with braces should wear a mouthguard for sports to protect their teeth and lips. Ask your dentist or orthodontist which type fits best over braces.
Related Reading
Bruxism: Teeth Grinding Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention explains teeth grinding, its causes and how to protect teeth.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea: How They Work, Who They Help, and What to Expect covers mouth devices that keep the airway open during sleep.
TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Self-Care explains jaw joint disorders, symptoms and treatment options.
Avulsed Tooth: The Dental Emergency Where Minutes Matter — and How to Save Your Knocked-Out Tooth explains what to do right away when a tooth is knocked out.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Mouth Guards: Types & Purpose. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated January 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards
Fernandes LM, Neto JCL, Lima TFR, et al. The use of mouthguards and prevalence of dento-alveolar trauma among athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dent Traumatol. 2019;35(1):54-72. PMID 30222244. https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12441
Liao J, Shi Y, Gao X, et al. Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Mild, Moderate, and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;170(5):1270-1279. PMID 38363016. https://doi.org/10.1002/ohn.676
Yu M, Ma Y, Han F, et al. Long-term efficacy of mandibular advancement devices in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2023;18(11):e0292832. PMID 38015938. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292832
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask your dentist, doctor or another qualified health provider about any questions you have regarding a medical or dental condition or the right mouthguard for you.
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