10910 Mouthguards

Overview

A mouthguard is a cover that fits over your teeth and gums to protect them from damage. You may also hear it called a gum shield or mouth protector. There are two main types. A sports mouthguard is worn during games and training to protect your teeth from knocks and falls. A night guard is worn in bed to stop your teeth rubbing together if you grind or clench them in your sleep.

Yes. Mouthguards are very common. Many people wear one for sport, and night guards are one of the most frequent treatments dentists provide for teeth grinding.

Anyone can wear one. They matter most for children and teenagers who play contact sports, for people with braces, crowns or implants, and for people who grind or clench their teeth, often during sleep or when life feels stressful.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• You play or train in a sport where knocks to the face are possible, such as rugby, hockey, football, basketball, boxing, martial arts, cycling or skateboarding.
• You wake up with a sore jaw, tight face muscles or a dull headache.
• Your teeth look flattened, chipped or worn down on the chewing surfaces.
• You clench or grind your teeth, and someone in your household may hear it at night.
• Your jaw clicks, aches or feels tired after sleep.
• You have braces, crowns, a bridge or implants that you would like to protect.

Symptoms in children

• Children often need a guard as soon as they start contact sport, and also when they have braces.
• A child's mouth keeps growing, so a guard may need replacing more often than an adult's.
• Children may complain of a sore jaw or headaches in the morning, which can be a sign of grinding.
• Ask your dentist before buying an off-the-shelf guard for a child, as a poor fit can be uncomfortable or come loose.

Symptoms in older adults

• Years of grinding can leave teeth flat, worn and sensitive.
• Dentures, implants and crowns can make a standard shop-bought guard fit badly, so a dentist-made one is often better.
• Dry mouth, which is more common with age and with some medicines, can make a guard feel uncomfortable — your dentist can suggest ways to help.
• A guard can also protect dental work that has already been repaired.

Causes

Main causes

• Taking part in contact sport or activities where a fall or knock to the face is possible.
• Teeth grinding (called bruxism), which often happens during sleep and is sometimes linked to stress.
• Jaw clenching during the day, especially when concentrating or feeling tense.
• Braces, implants, crowns or bridges that need extra protection.
• Hobbies such as skateboarding, mountain biking or trampolining.

Risk factors

• Playing contact sport without a guard.
• Being a child or teenager who plays sport.
• High stress or anxiety, which can increase grinding and clenching.
• Sleep problems such as snoring or sleep apnoea (pauses in breathing during sleep).
• Smoking, alcohol and caffeine, which are linked to more grinding.
• Stimulant medicines — check with your doctor if you are unsure.
• A bite that does not line up well, which can put extra strain on the jaw.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any dental injury — a chipped, loose or knocked-out tooth.
• A guard that causes pain, bleeding, or trouble breathing.
• Jaw pain with swelling, fever or feeling unwell.
• A guard that suddenly no longer fits after dental work or an injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You would like a custom-fitted guard for sport.
• You wake with jaw pain, tight face muscles or headaches.
• Your guard is worn, cracked, smells even after cleaning, or feels loose.
• Your child is starting a contact sport or has just had braces fitted.
• You are due a dental check-up and want to ask about protecting your teeth.

Diagnosis

There is no special test. A dentist will look at your teeth, gums and jaw, ask about the sports you play and whether you grind at night, check how your teeth bite together, and take a mould of your teeth if you would like a custom guard.

Tests that may be done

• A dental examination of your teeth, gums and jaw.
• Dental X-rays if a tooth is damaged, painful or has been knocked.
• A mould (impression) or digital scan of your teeth to make a custom guard.
• A sleep study or referral to a specialist if a sleep problem such as sleep apnoea is suspected.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit is quick and painless. A custom guard usually takes two short appointments: one to take the mould, and one to fit and check the guard. You may be asked to wear it for a few nights or training sessions while you get used to it, and to come back if it rubs anywhere.

Treatment

Treatment is about protection rather than cure. The main decision is which type of guard to use: a ready-made one from a shop, a 'boil and bite' one you soften and shape at home, or a custom-made one from your dentist. Whichever you choose, good cleaning and regular fit checks keep it working well.

Self-care at home

• Rinse the guard with cool water after every use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush — avoid hot water, which can warp it.
• Store it dry in a hard, ventilated case, away from heat and direct sunlight, and never in a hot car.
• Do not share a guard with anyone else — it carries bacteria.
• Check regularly for cracks, thin spots or a loose fit, and replace the guard when needed.
• Clean your teeth before putting it in, and take it out before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Medical treatments

A dentist can make a custom guard from a mould of your teeth; it fits more snugly and is less likely to fall out during play. If you grind your teeth, a dentist may make a night guard and check how your bite sits. If teeth are already damaged, they may repair them with routine dental work and talk through ways to reduce clenching, such as relaxation techniques or, in some cases, referral to a specialist. If your mouth is sore, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice about suitable pain relief.

Living with this condition

Getting used to a guard usually takes a week or two. It may feel bulky at first and you may dribble more or notice a small change in how you speak for a few days — this normally settles. Wear it every time you play or train, not just on match day, and every night if it is a night guard.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear the guard for training sessions as well as matches.
• Take it to every dental appointment so the fit can be checked.
• Give it a quick rinse and let it air-dry after each use.
• If you grind at night, try winding down before bed and keeping a regular sleep routine.
• Replace guards for growing children more often, as their mouths change quickly.

Diet and exercise

There are no special food rules. Avoid sugary sports drinks that sit around the teeth while a guard is in, and rinse with water afterwards. Keep up your normal exercise — a well-fitting guard should not stop you playing. Do not chew gum or eat while wearing it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Grinding is often linked to stress, and stress can make jaw pain feel worse. Some people also feel anxious about dental injury, or about how a guard looks or feels. Talking these worries through helps. A dentist can adjust the fit, and if stress is a big factor, support from a counsellor or your doctor can make a real difference.

Prevention

Mouthguards are themselves a prevention tool. Wearing one consistently during sport, and at night if you grind, is the best way to protect your teeth. Regular dental check-ups catch wear early, when it is easiest to deal with.

Screening programmes

Routine dental check-ups are the closest thing to screening here — your dentist can spot early wear, cracks, or bite problems and suggest a guard before damage builds up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
• A knocked-out tooth, which may not always be able to be saved.
• Injuries to the lips, tongue, gums and jaw.
• Worn-down enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain.
• Jaw joint pain, headaches and disturbed sleep.
• More costly and complex dental work later on.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. A well-fitting guard, worn regularly and cleaned properly, protects teeth well and is easy to live with. Most people get used to wearing one within a couple of weeks, and small problems with fit can usually be fixed quickly.

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