Can You Wear a Sports Mouthguard to Bed? What You Need to Know

If you use a mouthguard for sports, you may ask yourself the question “Can you wear a sports mouthguard to bed?” While sports mouthguards are excellent at protecting your teeth, gums, and jaw during physical activity, they are not designed to be worn overnight.

Sports mouthguards are made for impact protection on the field, in the gym, or in the ring — not for hours of continuous use while you sleep. Wearing one to bed can cause discomfort, breathing difficulties, and even create hygiene issues. If you need protection at night for teeth grinding or clenching, a custom night guard is a safer and more effective alternative.

A sports mouthguard is a protective dental appliance designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact during contact sports. By cushioning the teeth, gums, and jaw, it reduces the risk of chipped or broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions.

Our sports mouthguards are custom-made to fit securely and comfortably, offering far greater protection than over-the-counter “boil and bite” options.

It’s important to remember, however, that sports mouthguards are built for short-term, high-impact use. They are not intended to be worn for long periods, such as overnight while you sleep.

Although they may look similar at first glance, a sports mouthguard vs a night guard comes down to one key factor: their purpose.

• Sports mouthguards are made from thicker, shock-absorbing materials to protect against sudden collisions in contact sports. They act as a cushion against heavy impact to the teeth, jaw, and gums.
• Night guards, on the other hand, are thinner, lighter, and specifically designed for long-term wear during sleep. Their purpose is to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching.

Wearing a sports mouthguard to bed won’t provide the right protection — and it can actually cause discomfort or hygiene issues. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, a custom night guard is the safer, more effective solution.

While a sports mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth during games and training, it isn’t suitable for overnight wear. Sleeping with a sports mouthguard can lead to several problems, including:

• Discomfort and bulkiness – sports mouthguards are designed for short bursts of activity, not hours of continuous wear, which can make them uncomfortable in bed.
• Breathing issues – their thicker design can make it harder to breathe normally while sleeping, particularly for children.
• Increased bacteria build-up – wearing a sports mouthguard for long periods without proper cleaning creates the perfect environment for bacteria and odour.
• Limited protection – sports mouthguards are not designed to stop grinding or clenching, meaning they won’t prevent the dental wear associated with bruxism.

For safe and effective overnight protection, a custom night guard is always the better choice.

A sports mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for athletes. You should always wear one during:

• Training sessions
• Matches and competitions
• Sparring or contact drills

These are the times when collisions, falls, or accidental knocks are most likely to occur. Whether you’re in the ring with a boxing mouthguard, tackling hard on the field with a rugby mouthguard, or protecting yourself during sparring with a martial arts mouthguard, having the right protection is vital.

However, a sports mouthguard should not be worn while sleeping. It isn’t designed for long-term wear and won’t protect against teeth grinding or jaw clenching. That’s where a custom night guard is needed.

Rest assured — sports mouthguards are still essential for athletes of all ages and levels. They remain the best defence against sports-related dental injuries.

If you need protection while you sleep, a custom night guard is the right choice. Unlike sports mouthguards, night guards are specifically designed for overnight wear.

They are:

• Thinner and more comfortable, making them easier to wear for hours at a time.
• Breathable, so you can rest without difficulty.
• Protective against grinding and clenching, helping to prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches linked to bruxism.

Our night guards are custom-fitted using advanced scanning technology, ensuring the perfect balance of comfort and protection while you sleep.

Do you need a sports mouthguard or a night guard? Contact us for expert advice or book a fitting today. With Mobile Mouthguards, you’ll always have the right protection — on the field and at night.