Can You Wear a Mouthguard 24/7?

Wearing a mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during contact sports, but is it safe to wear one all day? It’s a question we hear often from athletes, gym-goers, and concerned parents. While mouthguards are essential during training and competition, wearing them 24/7 may not be necessary or even recommended at all.

It’s also important to understand the difference between sports mouthguards and night guards designed for teeth grinding. This article explores whether you can wear a mouthguard all day, how long you should wear it, and the risks of overuse, helping you make the right call for your performance, safety, and oral health.

For athletes in contact and high-impact sports like rugby, boxing, martial arts, and hockey, wearing a mouthguard isn’t optional, but essential. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber, helping to protect the teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw from injury during collisions or accidental blows.

Not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. While boil-and-bite options from chemists are widely available, they often provide a poor fit and limited coverage. Custom-fit mouthguards, on the other hand, are designed specifically for your mouth, offering superior comfort, better retention, and a far higher level of protection, making them the preferred choice for both amateur and professional athletes.

Mouthguards play a crucial role in protecting your smile, but only when used appropriately. Understanding how long to wear a mouthguard depends on its purpose. Here’s when you should wear one and why the right type matters:

If you’re an athlete, your mouthguard should be worn only during high-impact activities like games, training sessions, or sparring. It’s designed to cushion blows and reduce the risk of dental injuries, and not to be worn around the clock.

Wearing your guard outside of sport (such as at school, work, or while sleeping) is unnecessary and could cause discomfort or hygiene issues. For optimal performance and protection, stick to wearing it only when you’re at risk of impact.

Some people ask, “can I wear a mouthguard all day or night?” This depends on the type of guard. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), your dentist may recommend a night guard, or an occlusal splint, which is a specialised type of mouthguard designed for overnight use.

Unlike sports mouthguards, night guards are made to be worn while sleeping. They protect your teeth from excessive wear and help reduce jaw tension caused by grinding, but they shouldn’t be worn 24/7 unless specifically prescribed.

At Mobile Mouthguards, we begin with an appointment to discuss your concerns. We then take a digital scan of your teeth to create a custom-fit night guard. Finally, we arrange a convenient time for you to collect your new guard once it has been made.

While mouthguards are vital for protection during sport or sleep (in the case of night guards), wearing one for too long without breaks or proper cleaning can lead to several unwanted side effects, especially if it’s not custom-made.

Here are some of the key risks associated with overuse:

Even with custom mouthguards, which offer a far superior fit and comfort level, proper use and care are essential. Always remove your mouthguard when not in use, clean it thoroughly, and store it in a ventilated case to maintain hygiene and longevity.

To get the best protection and longest lifespan from your mouthguard, it’s essential to use it properly and maintain good hygiene. Whether you’re an athlete or a parent managing your child’s gear, following these simple tips can help prevent oral health issues and discomfort:

• Wear only during necessary activity – Use your sports mouthguard during training, games, or sparring, and remove it afterwards to avoid unnecessary wear and bacterial buildup.
• Rinse and clean thoroughly after each use – Use cool water and a soft toothbrush (or mild soap if needed) to clean your mouthguard. Never use hot water, as it can warp the material.
• Store in a ventilated case – Always let your mouthguard dry completely before storing it in a case with airflow to prevent mould and bacterial growth.
• Replace if damaged or loose – A cracked, worn, or poorly fitting guard won’t offer proper protection. Replace it as soon as you notice any issues.
• Schedule a fitting if discomfort occurs – If your mouthguard feels tight, bulky, or causes jaw soreness, it’s time to get it checked or refitted.
• Mouthguards with braces – If you or your child has braces, mouthguard suitability depends on the stage of orthodontic treatment. Because teeth can move rapidly, a new custom guard might be needed every 1–2 weeks, which can become very costly. It’s best to call us to discuss your specific situation before proceeding.

Curious about how a custom mouthguard works? Learn more about our step-by-step process here.

Whether you’re preparing for your next big match or looking to protect your child during weekend sport, Mobile Mouthguards offers custom-fitted mouthguards designed for comfort, safety, and performance.

We use 3D scanning technology to create a tailored fit for athletes of all ages, ensuring maximum protection without compromising on breathability or comfort. Health fund rebates are available, and we’ll guide you through claiming if applicable.

Book online or call us today to schedule your professional fitting and experience the difference of a truly custom mouthguard.