Mouthguards and Sports Guards
Anchorage, AK 
A mouthguard is an essential tool for protecting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Many people assume that mouthguards are only necessary for athletes or those engaged in high-impact physical activity. In reality, many individuals benefit from mouthguards for both nighttime use and sports activities. Whether you are protecting your teeth from grinding while you sleep or preventing injuries on the field, a custom-made mouthguard is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, aligned smile.
A night mouthguard is worn while sleeping to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching, or other dental issues. Using a mouthguard regularly can help relieve tension in the jaw, reduce headaches, and protect your teeth from wear and misalignment. Similarly, sports mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth during athletic activities, acting as a shock absorber for impacts and reducing the risk of injury.
Custom-made mouthguards, created by dental professionals, provide the most effective protection. Over-the-counter or store-bought mouthguards often lack the proper fit, support, and durability. A custom mouthguard ensures a comfortable fit while delivering maximum protection for your teeth and oral structures. At Aurora Children’s Dentistry, our team creates mouthguards designed specifically for your needs, whether for nighttime protection or sports use.
Who Needs a Mouthguard?
Night and sports mouthguards serve different purposes, but both are crucial for oral health.
Nighttime Mouthguards
Anyone who grinds or clenches their teeth while sleeping is a candidate for a night mouthguard. Teeth grinding can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and even long-term misalignment of your smile. Consistent use of a night mouthguard can reduce the tension in the jaw muscles, prevent tooth deterioration, and preserve the natural alignment of your teeth. A lot of people unknowingly suffer from bruxism, making a custom night mouthguard a practical solution for protecting your oral health.
Sports Mouthguards
Athletes, especially those who participate in contact sports like football, hockey, or martial arts, benefit greatly from sports mouthguards. Even non-contact sports such as gymnastics, skateboarding, or basketball can result in accidental dental injuries. Mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and jaw by absorbing the force of impacts, preventing chipped or broken teeth, and reducing the risk of jaw fractures. For athletes with braces, custom mouthguards provide an extra layer of protection by preventing the metal brackets from injuring the lips or gums during an impact.
Signs you may need a mouthguard include:
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Grinding or clenching teeth at night
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Frequent headaches or jaw pain
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Participating in contact or high-impact sports
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Wearing braces or dental appliances
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Previous dental injuries or a history of broken teeth |
Types of Mouthguards
Mouthguards come in several styles, each offering different levels of protection and comfort.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Created by the dentist using molds of your teeth, these mouthguards provide the best fit and maximum protection. They are comfortable, durable, and highly effective for both nighttime and sports use. Custom-made mouthguards are what we recommend at Aurora Children’s Dentistry.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of thermoplastic material that softens when boiled and can be molded to your teeth by biting down on the warm material. They offer a semi-custom fit.
Stock or Pre-Made Mouthguards
Available in stores, these come pre-formed and are ready to wear. While convenient, they often fit poorly, can be bulky, and may make speaking or breathing difficult. They provide the least protection and comfort.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Proper care ensures that your mouthguard remains effective and long-lasting. Neglecting maintenance can reduce its protective benefits and even contribute to oral health problems.
Cleaning and Storage Tips for Your Mouthguard:
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Rinse your mouthguard with cold water before and after each use
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Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner
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Store in a ventilated protective case when not in use
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Check regularly for signs of wear or damage
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Avoid exposure to high temperatures, which can warp the material |
Following these steps helps maintain the durability of your mouthguard, ensuring it continues to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Benefits of Using a Mouthguard
Using a mouthguard offers multiple advantages beyond simply preventing tooth damage.
For Nighttime Use
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Relieves jaw tension and reduces headaches
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Prevents tooth wear and fractures
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Maintains proper tooth alignment
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Minimizes stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
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Promotes restful sleep without dental discomfort |
For Sports Use
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Absorbs shock from impacts
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Protects teeth, gums, and jaw from injury
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Prevents damage to braces and dental appliances
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Reduces risk of concussions to the jaw area
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Provides a barrier for soft tissues in the mouth |
Night and Sports Mouthguard FAQ
How long does a night mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom night mouthguard can last several years. Regularly checking for wear and keeping it clean will extend its lifespan.
Can I wear a sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Custom sports mouthguards can be designed to fit over braces, protecting your teeth, gums, and soft tissues during impact.
Are store-bought mouthguards effective?
While convenient, over-the-counter mouthguards often lack a proper fit and may not provide adequate protection. Custom-made mouthguards from our dentist are more comfortable and reliable.
Can a mouthguard help with jaw pain?
Night mouthguards can reduce jaw tension and alleviate pain caused by teeth grinding or clenching.
How do I clean my mouthguard?
Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid high temperatures that could warp the material.
Should I wear my night mouthguard every night?
Yes, you should wear your nightguard every night. Consistent use is key to preventing tooth wear, headaches, and jaw strain caused by teeth grinding or clenching.
Custom Mouthguards at Aurora Children’s Dentistry
Our team specializes in creating custom-made mouthguards for both nighttime and sports use. We take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit, providing maximum protection and comfort. Whether you need a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding or to safeguard your smile during sports, our expert team will guide you in selecting the right type and ensuring proper care.
Call us today at (907) 621-4521 to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of a custom-made mouthguard. With consistent use, a well-fitted mouthguard can prevent dental injuries, alleviate discomfort, and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
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