Night Guard vs Mouthguard
Function and Design
A sports mouthguard is thick, bulky, and designed to absorb sudden impact to the teeth and gums. A night guard is made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic to withstand sustained grinding pressure over hours and to protect the enamel without disrupting your natural bite [1]. Wearing a sports mouthguard to sleep can cause jaw pain or shift your bite.
References
- ADA MouthHealthy — Mouthguards (2023). Night guards vs sports mouthguards: design and intended use differ significantly. PubMed / DOI ↗ (n=1)
⚕️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If your jaw pain persists, please consult a licensed dentist or healthcare provider.
From Our Tests
If you're looking for a product that survives heavy grinding, see our caliper-measured data: Best Night Guard for Teeth Grinding.