If you've ever searched for dental protection, you've likely encountered both "mouthguard" and "night guard" and wondered whether they're the same thing. Whilst both devices protect your teeth, they serve very different purposes and are designed with distinct features in mind. Understanding the difference between a night guard and a mouthguard is essential for choosing the right protection whether you're an athlete looking to safeguard your smile during sport or someone who grinds their teeth at night.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard sometimes called a gumshield or sports guard is a protective device worn over your teeth during physical activities. Its primary purpose is to absorb and distribute impact forces that could otherwise cause dental injuries, such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. Mouthguards are essential protective equipment for anyone participating in contact sports like rugby, boxing, hockey, or martial arts, but they're also beneficial for non-contact activities where falls or collisions are possible.
Sports mouthguards are typically made from durable, shock-absorbing materials designed to cushion blows to the face and jaw. They're engineered to stay securely in place during vigorous movement whilst allowing you to breathe and communicate reasonably well. The best mouthguards, like OPRO's Instant Custom-Fit designs, are custom-moulded to your teeth for superior fit, comfort, and protection a benefit that comes from OPRO's three decades of dental expertise and collaboration with dental professionals worldwide.
Quality sports mouthguards should cover your upper teeth entirely and extend slightly over the gums to provide comprehensive protection. They're worn only during athletic activities and removed immediately afterwards.
What Is a Night Guard?
A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard or bite splint, is a dental appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Bruxism affects a significant portion of the population and can cause serious dental problems if left untreated, including worn enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If you're experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding, learn more about how night guards can help.
Unlike sports mouthguards, night guards are designed to create a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other during sleep. They're typically thinner and more comfortable for extended wear, as you'll be wearing them for six to eight hours each night. The OPRO Night Guard is specifically engineered for this purpose, featuring a slim profile that doesn't interfere with sleep whilst providing robust protection against nocturnal grinding.
Night guards work by redistributing the forces generated by clenching and grinding, reducing the pressure on individual teeth and protecting your enamel from wear. Many people don't even realise they grind their teeth until a dentist notices the telltale signs of wear or a partner mentions the noise.
Why They're Not Interchangeable
Whilst both devices fit over your teeth, using a sports mouthguard as a night guard or vice versa isn't advisable. The design specifications are fundamentally different because they address entirely different problems.
Sports mouthguards are built to absorb sudden, high-impact forces. They’re carefully engineered with enhanced thickness and structure in key areas to provide superior shock absorption and protection during physical activity. This robust design ensures safety against tackles, collisions, or accidental blows. However, because they’re intended for short-term, high-intensity use, they’re not suited for the kind of prolonged wear required overnight.
Night guards, conversely, are designed for extended comfort and to address the specific biomechanics of bruxism. They're typically thinner and focus on preventing tooth-on-tooth contact rather than absorbing external impacts. A night guard wouldn't provide sufficient protection against a rugby tackle or a hockey stick to the face. The materials and thickness are calibrated differently for their specific purposes.
Using the appropriate guard for your needs ensures you receive proper protection without unnecessary discomfort or risk.
Night Guard vs Mouthguard - Key Differences
| Aspect | Sports Mouthguard | Night Guard |
| Purpose | Protects teeth from external impact during sports and physical activities | Prevents damage from teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep |
| Design & Fit | Thicker, more rigid, covers upper teeth and gums; designed to stay secure during movement | Thinner, comfortable for extended wear; creates barrier between upper and lower teeth |
| Material | Shock-absorbing, durable materials built to withstand high-impact forces | Softer, more flexible materials optimised for comfort during prolonged nightly use |
| Usage Time | Worn only during athletic activities (typically 1–2 hours) | Worn throughout sleep (typically 6–8 hours nightly) |
| Who It’s For | Athletes in contact sports; anyone at risk of dental trauma during physical activity | People with bruxism, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching issues; those experiencing related symptoms |
This comparison highlights why selecting the correct type of dental protection matters. Each device is purpose-built with specific materials, thickness, and design features that make it suitable for its intended use.
Can You Wear a Night Guard for Sports?
Whilst a night guard might physically fit in your mouth during sport, it won't provide adequate protection against impact. Night guards are simply too thin and lack the shock-absorbing properties necessary to protect against the forces encountered in athletic activities. Wearing one during contact sports could result in serious dental injuries that a proper sports mouthguard would have prevented.
Similarly, wearing a bulky sports mouthguard to bed is impractical and uncomfortable. The thickness that makes it effective against impacts makes it unsuitable for sleeping, potentially causing gagging, excessive salivation, or disrupted sleep.
How Do I Know Which One I Need?
The decision is usually straightforward once you understand your primary concern. If you participate in any sport whether contact or non-contact where there's risk of impact to your face or jaw, you need a sports mouthguard. This includes obvious choices like rugby, boxing, and hockey, but also activities like basketball, skateboarding, and mountain biking where falls are common.
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity, or if your dentist has noticed wear patterns on your teeth, you likely need a night guard. Your partner mentioning that you grind your teeth during sleep is another clear indicator. Some people require both types of protection if they're active in sports and also experience bruxism.
When in doubt, consult your dentist. They can examine your teeth for signs of grinding, assess your risk factors, and recommend the appropriate protection. A proper diagnosis ensures you're addressing the actual problem rather than guessing.
The Importance of Proper Fit
Regardless of which type of guard you need, proper fit is crucial for both protection and comfort. Ill-fitting guards can be uncomfortable, may not stay in place, and won't provide optimal protection.
OPRO's expertise in dental protection built over decades of working with professional athletes and dental professionals ensures that both their sports mouthguards and night guards deliver the fit necessary for effective protection. For step-by-step guidance on achieving the perfect fit, watch OPRO's fitting videos. This attention to fit reflects the brand's commitment to dental health and understanding that every mouth is different.
Caring for Your Dental Guard
Whether you use a mouthguard or a night guard, proper care helps extend its lifespan and keeps it hygienic. Rinse your guard thoroughly with cool water after each use and clean it with mild soap or a dedicated mouthguard cleaning solution.
For an extra level of hygiene, consider using OPRO’s UV Cleaning Case, which uses UV-C light to eliminate up to 99.99 % of bacteria and viruses in just a few minutes. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for keeping your guard fresh between uses.
Store your guard in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth, and keep it away from heat, which can warp the material. Inspect your guard regularly for signs of wear or damage, and replace it if it no longer fits properly or shows visible deterioration.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a night guard and a mouthguard ensures you're protecting your teeth appropriately for your specific needs. Sports mouthguards shield against external trauma during physical activities, whilst night guards prevent self-inflicted damage from teeth grinding during sleep. They're designed with different materials, thickness, and features because they solve fundamentally different problems.
Don't compromise your dental health by using the wrong type of protection or skipping it altogether. Whether you're stepping onto the pitch or settling in for the night, having the right guard in place protects your smile for years to come. If you're unsure which type you need, speak with your dentist they can assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate protection.
Your teeth are worth protecting, and choosing the right guard is an investment in your long-term dental health and wellbeing.
