A mouthguard is one of the least expensive pieces of sports equipment you can buy, and one of the easiest to forget. It protects teeth, lips, cheeks and the jaw from impact. The right one depends on fit, comfort, budget and whether you wear braces. This guide compares the three main types described by the American Dental Association (ADA) and covers how to care for a mouthguard and when to replace it.
This article is about sports mouthguards that protect against injury. Night guards for clenching and grinding are a different product. See our guide to teeth grinding and night guards for those.
What a mouthguard does
The ADA explains that mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face. That lowers the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and protect the soft tissues of the tongue, lips and cheek lining. The upper teeth usually take the brunt of trauma because they stick out more.
Who should wear one
The ADA calls a mouthguard an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of standard equipment from an early age. Collision and contact sports, such as boxing, carry higher risk for the mouth. The ADA also points out that dental injuries can happen in non-contact activities such as gymnastics and skating.
In practice, that means a mouthguard is worth considering for any activity where a fall, a ball, a stick or another player could hit your face, including practices and not only games.
The three types compared
According to the ADA, the best mouthguard is one custom-made for your mouth by your dentist. If you cannot afford a custom guard, the ADA says you should still wear a stock or boil-and-bite guard. Any guard is better than none.
| Type | How it is made | Fit and comfort | Cost (relative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom-made | Made by your dentist for you personally | Individually created for fit and comfort | Most expensive of the three |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water, then shaped to your mouth | May fit better than stock | Middle |
| Stock | Pre-formed and ready to wear | Often fit poorly; can be bulky and make breathing and talking harder | Least expensive |
We do not list prices here because they vary by practice and product. For how dental fees vary, see our guide to how dental costs vary by city.
Custom-made guards
A custom guard is made from a model of your teeth. The ADA notes it is more expensive than the other options because it is created individually for fit and comfort. A guard that fits well is more likely to be worn, which matters as much as the material.
Boil-and-bite guards
These are sold at many sporting goods stores and drugstores. You soften the guard in hot water, then bite into it so it adapts to your teeth. The ADA advises always following the manufacturer’s instructions. It also notes that some boil-and-bite products have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so look for the Seal when you shop.
Stock guards
Stock guards are inexpensive and ready to wear. The ADA cautions that they often do not fit very well and can be bulky, which can make breathing and talking difficult. They are still better than no protection.
Mouthguards and braces
The ADA says a properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridgework. A blow to the face can damage brackets or other fixed appliances. A guard also acts as a barrier between the braces and your cheeks or lips, helping prevent cuts to the soft tissue.
Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about which guard to use. The ADA notes that some guards cover only the upper teeth, but your dentist or orthodontist may suggest a guard for the lower teeth too if you have braces there.
If you wear a retainer or other removable appliance, the ADA says not to wear it during contact sports. Our guide to retainers after braces covers retainer care in general.
The ADA also advises removing oral piercing jewelry during sports and protecting your mouth with a mouthguard.
Care and cleaning
The ADA recommends keeping a mouthguard clean and dry between uses:
- Rinse it before and after each use, or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Clean it regularly in cool, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.
- Store and carry it in a sturdy, vented container so it can dry and bacteria are less likely to grow.
- Never leave it in the sun or in hot water.
- Keep it, and its case, where pets cannot reach it. The ADA notes that pets sometimes treat mouthguards as chew toys.
- Bring it to your dental checkups for an evaluation. Your dentist may also be able to clean it thoroughly.
When to replace it
Ask your dentist when to replace your guard. The ADA says to replace it right away if it shows wear, is damaged or does not fit well. Teens and children may need replacements more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.
Quick fit check
- Does it stay in place without you biting down to hold it?
- Can you breathe and speak reasonably well with it in?
- Are there tears, holes, thin spots or rough edges?
- Has your child had new teeth come in, or started orthodontic treatment, since it was made?
If any answer is a concern, it is time to check with your dentist.
Helping kids and teens actually wear it
A mouthguard only helps when it is in the mouth. Some practical habits: keep the case in the sports bag next to other required gear, let kids pick a color they like, and treat the guard like a helmet that goes on every time they play, practice included. If a child keeps taking it out, ask whether it is uncomfortable. A poor fit is a common reason, and a dentist can help.
If an injury happens anyway
Even with a guard, injuries can happen. Our guide to cracked and chipped teeth covers what to do next, and our page on what counts as a dental emergency helps you decide how urgently to call. You can also use the dental emergency checker.
Frequently asked questions
Is a custom mouthguard worth it?
The ADA calls a custom-made guard the best option because it is created for your mouth. It also costs more. If cost is a barrier, the ADA says a stock or boil-and-bite guard is still far better than none.
Do I need a mouthguard for non-contact sports?
The ADA notes that dental injuries can happen in non-contact activities such as gymnastics and skating. Ask your dentist whether one makes sense for your activity.
Can I wear my retainer instead of a mouthguard?
No. The ADA says not to wear a retainer or other removable appliance during contact sports.
How do I clean a mouthguard?
Rinse it or brush it before and after use, wash it regularly in cool, soapy water, and store it in a vented case away from heat, according to the ADA.
Is a sports mouthguard the same as a night guard?
No. Sports guards cushion impacts. Night guards are used for clenching and grinding. See our night guard guide.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Football mouthguard” by Flazaza, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.