Mouth guards
- Dr Emma Ajimoko, Head of Clinical Policy and Standards at Bupa Dental Care
What are mouth guards and why are they used?
Mouth guards are covers that fit over your teeth and gums to protect them from injury. They’re usually made from a rubber or soft plastic material that absorbs shock, for example if you get hit in the mouth or grind your teeth.
Your dentist can create a bespoke mouth guard that fits your mouth perfectly. You can also buy them online, or over the counter at some pharmacies and sports shops. But these don’t usually feel as comfortable or protect your mouth like a custom-made mouth guard.
You might need a mouth guard if you:
- play contact sports like rugby, boxing or hockey
- grind your teeth (bruxism)
- snore or have sleep apnoea
- have jaw joint problems (TMJ dysfunction)
You might also hear mouth guards referred to as gum shields, sports guards or night guards.
What are the different types of mouth guard?
There are three main types of mouth guards:
- Custom-made mouth guards are made by a dentist to fit your mouth exactly. They’re the most comfortable type of mouth guard and give you the strongest protection, so they’re ideal for playing sports, teeth grinding or sleep apnoea.
- Boil-and-bite mouth guards are sold online and in many shops. You soften them in hot water at home and then bite into them so they roughly mould to your teeth. But they don’t always fit well and can feel uncomfortable.
- Pre-made mouth guards can also be bought online and in shops. They come in different sizes and are ready to use straight from the packet, but they don’t always fit well or protect your teeth properly.
How much does a mouth guard cost?
Shop-bought mouth guards are usually the cheapest option, but they don’t tend to fit as well. Custom-made mouth guards are more expensive because they’re specially designed to fit your mouth, but they offer the best protection. Your dentist can let you know the exact cost and ways to pay before you decide.
Can I get mouth guards on the NHS?
You can only get a mouth guard through the NHS if it’s clinically necessary, for example if you grind your teeth.
Sports mouth guards aren’t available on the NHS, so you’ll need to pay to have one made privately. The cost will depend on the type of mouth guard you choose or which dentist you visit.
How do mouth guards help with sleep apnoea and snoring?
Mouth guards for sleep apnoea (when your breathing starts and stops during sleep) and snoring work by changing the position of your jaw while you sleep. They gently move your lower jaw slightly forward. This helps to keep your airway open, which makes it easier to breathe through the night. They usually need to be fitted by your dentist to make sure they’re comfortable and safe to use.
Sports mouth guards (gumshields)
If you play contact sports like football, martial arts, rugby, hockey, cricket or basketball, a mouth guard is an essential part of your kit. If you’re struck in the mouth by a ball, bat or another player, the flexible material absorbs and disperses the force of impact, keeping your teeth intact.
Benefits of sports mouth guards
Wearing a mouth guard (also called a gum shield) during your games and training sessions can help to prevent:
- a knocked-out tooth
- a cracked or broken tooth
- a broken or dislocated jaw
- damage to your lips, gums or cheeks
You can buy sports mouth guards online and in shops. But a custom-made mouth guard from your dentist uses stronger materials and offers the best protection. They also fit your mouth precisely and make it easier to breathe and speak while you play.
Why are mouth guards recommended for bruxism (teeth grinding)?
- If you grind your teeth (bruxism) during the day or night, they can become worn down, sensitive or chipped. You might also get headaches or earaches, or feel pain in your jaw or neck.
- Your dentist can examine your teeth and may recommend you wear a mouth guard for teeth grinding to protect them. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, they’ll advise you to wear a night time mouth guard – this is sometimes called a night guard.
- Wearing a bruxism mouth guard keeps your upper and lower teeth apart to stop them rubbing together. This helps to protect your teeth and reduce pain in your jaw from clenching.
How is a custom mouth guard made?
Here’s what happens when you get a custom made mouth guard.
Step 1: Book an appointment for your dental impression
- Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure a mouth guard is right for you.
- They’ll take an impression (mould) of your teeth using soft putty or a digital scanner.
- This captures the exact shape of your mouth.
Step 2: Create a detailed mould of your mouth
- Your impression is sent to a lab, where a technician makes a precise model of your teeth.
- This model shows every small detail, so the mouth guard fits your mouth properly.
- The technician uses it to construct a guard that stays in place and feels comfortable.
Step 3: Make and finish your custom mouth guard
- Your mouth guard is made from a strong, durable plastic that absorbs impact – you may even be able to choose the colour and design.
- It’s shaped, trimmed and polished so it fits smoothly and comfortably.
- When you collect it, your dentist will check your mouth guard fits properly. .
What type of mouth guard is best for children?
- For children with baby teeth: A boil-and-bite mouth guard that you mould at home might be suitable at this stage. These guards are flexible enough to fit small mouths and can be replaced easily as their baby teeth fall out. But keep in mind that they can usually only be remoulded a few times before they become uncomfortable or less effective. So, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for remoulding.
- For children with a mix of baby and adult teeth: Pick a mouth guard that can adjust as your child’s mouth changes. As their teeth and jaws grow, they may need a new mouth guard more often to make sure it still fits well and protects their teeth properly.
- For children with permanent teeth or braces: A custom-made mouth guard offers the best protection and comfort, especially if they play contact sports. Your dentist can shape the guard around braces and developing teeth to ensure it fits securely and protects their teeth and braces as they move.
How do I care for my mouth guard?
It’s important to look after your mouth guard so it lasts as long as possible and keeps working properly. Follow these tips to help keep your mouth guard in good condition.
Clean your mouth guard
Rinse your mouth guard with cool water before and after every use, and gently brush it with a toothbrush and soapy water once a day.
Store your mouth guard
Keep your mouth guard in a protective case that allows air to circulate. This will help keep your mouth guard clean and prevent damage.
Protect your mouth guard
Avoid exposing your mouth guard to hot water or direct sunlight as heat can distort the plastic and stop it fitting properly.
How long does a custom mouth guard last?
A custom mouth guard can last for several years if you take good care of it, depending on how much wear and tear it gets. If your child uses a mouth guard, it may need replacing more often because their mouth is still growing. Bring your mouth guard to your dental check-ups, so your dentist can check whether it needs to be replaced.
Can I wear a mouth guard if I wear braces?
It’s important to wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports, even if you wear braces.
- If you wear removable braces, you should take them out during sports and wear your mouth guard to protect your teeth.
- If you wear a fixed brace, you may find a boil-and-bite mouth guard helpful, as it can be easily reshaped as your teeth move. But they can only be remoulded a few times before the fit worsens or they become uncomfortable. So be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Your dentist or orthodontist can also make a custom-made guard that allows enough space for your teeth to move while protecting your teeth and brace.
- Speak to your dentist or orthodontist, who can recommend the best type of mouth guard for your needs.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is when you rub or clench your teeth together without meaning to.
Dental check ups
In a dental check-up appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, mouth and gums to ensure your mouth is healthy.
Cracked teeth
A cracked tooth is a tooth that has a small break in it.
Snoring and sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea causes the airways in your throat to narrow or completely collapse while you sleep.
TMJ dysfuction
The temporomandibular joint is the medical name given to your jaw joint.
Other helpful websites
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- Mouthguards. Oral Health Foundation. dentalhealth.org, accessed January 2026
- Contact sports and mouthguards. British Orthodontic Society. bos.org.uk, accessed January 2026
- Bruxism. MSD Manuals. msdmanuals.om, last revised January 2024
- Mouthguards. Dental Trauma UK. dentaltrauma.co.uk, accessed January 2026
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). MSD Manuals. msdmanuals.com, last modified April 2025
- Jaw joint problems. British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. baoms.org.uk, accessed January 2026
- Patient Information Leaflet: Mouthguards, Gum shields, Sports guards. Dental Trauma UK. dentaltrauma.co.uk, produced 2015
- Patient Information Leaflet: Mouthguards. British Orthodontic Society. bos.org.uk, accessed January 2026
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- Advice Sheet: Mouthguards. British Orthodontic Society. bos.org.uk, last updated July 2023
- Lal SJ, Sankari A, Weber KK. Bruxism management. StatPearls Publishing. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, last updated May 2024
- Goncalves VPD, Vieira CMF and Lopera HAC. The production and materials of mouthguards: Conventional vs additive manufacturing – A systematic review. Heliton 2024; 10(14) e34294. doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34294
- Michelle Harrison, Freelance Health Editor
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