Mouthguards Vs. Nightguards: What’s the Difference?
This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.
As a parent, you want to protect your child’s smile in every situation, whether they’re scoring goals on the soccer field or sleeping peacefully at night. Two dental appliances often recommended for kids are mouthguards and nightguards. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down mouthguards and nightguards, explain when children may need each one, and help you understand how a pediatric dentist can ensure the best fit and protection for your child.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective dental appliance worn during sports or physical activities. Its primary purpose is to prevent dental injuries caused by impacts to the face, jaw, or mouth.
Why Mouthguards Are Important for Kids
Children are especially vulnerable to dental injuries during sports. Sports-related accidents are one of the leading causes of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth in kids. According the the American Dental Association, mouthguard use protects against sports-related dental injuries.
Mouthguards help protect against:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lip, tongue, and cheek injuries
- Jaw fractures
When Should a Child Wear a Mouthguard?
Your child should wear a mouthguard if they participate in:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Baseball or softball
- Martial arts or wrestling
- Skateboarding
- Biking
- Gymnastics
Even non-contact sports can pose risks, especially for growing smiles.
Types of Mouthguards
- Stock Mouthguards – Pre-formed and inexpensive, but bulky and less protective
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – Better fit but still limited in comfort
- Custom Mouthguards – Made by a pediatric dentist for the best fit, comfort, and protection
Custom mouthguards are the safest and most comfortable option for children. Mouthguards cover the teeth and a portion of the gums to protect them from impact and trauma, with properly-fitting guards extending slightly over the gumline for optimal protection. Poor-fitting or cheap mouthguards can cause irritation and gum recession.
What Is a Nightguard?
A nightguard (also called an occlusal guard) is worn while sleeping. It creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It is designed to protect teeth from damage caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching.
Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?
Teeth grinding in children is more common than many parents realize. Causes may include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues
- Growth and development changes
- Sleep and breathing disorders
While some children outgrow bruxism, ongoing grinding can damage developing teeth.
Signs Your Child May Need a Nightguard
You may want to consult a pediatric dentist if you notice:
- Grinding or clenching sounds during sleep
- Complaints of jaw pain or headaches
- Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Facial soreness in the morning
A nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing wear and strain on the jaw.
Mouthguards vs Nightguards: Key Differences
Although they may look alike, mouthguards and nightguards are not interchangeable.
| Mouthguard | Nightguard | |
| Purpose | Protect teeth during sports | Protect teeth from grinding |
| When Worn | During physical activity | While sleeping |
| Main Risk Prevented | Dental trauma and injury | Tooth wear and jaw pain |
| Fit | Sports-focused protection | Bite-aligned comfort |
| Custom Option | Yes | Yes |
Using the wrong type of guard can reduce effectiveness and cause discomfort.
Why Custom Dental Guards Matter for Children
Children’s mouths are constantly growing and changing. A custom-made mouthguard or nightguard from a pediatric dentist offers several advantages:
- Proper fit for developing teeth
- Greater comfort and compliance
- Better protection than store-bought options
Custom appliances are designed with your child’s safety, comfort, and long-term oral health in mind.
Can a Child Need Both a Mouthguard and a Nightguard?
Yes! Some children both play sports and grind their teeth at night.
In those cases, their pediatric dentist may recommend both appliances, each used at the appropriate time. One cannot replace the other.
How a Pediatric Dentist Can Help
A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s oral health and understands how growth, development, and habits affect young smiles. During an exam, we can:
- Assess your child’s risk for sports injuries
- Evaluate signs of teeth grinding
- Recommend the right appliance
- Create a custom-fitted mouthguard or nightguard
Protect Your Child’s Smile for the Long Term
Understanding the difference between mouthguards and nightguards helps you make informed decisions about your child’s dental care. Whether your child is active in sports, grinding their teeth at night, or both, the right dental appliance can prevent pain, injuries, and costly dental work.
Schedule an appointment with CDND today to find out which option is best for your child’s smile. Whether they need a mouthguard, a nightguard, or both, we’ll walk you through the best path forward. Give us a call or click here to schedule. We’re happy to assist.
FAQs Freqently Asked Questions
Does my child really need a nightguard or mouthguard?
Yes, these preventative devices can save you money and time at the dentist, all while preserving and protecting your child’s smile from damage.
What’s the difference between a nightguard and a mouthguard?
A nightguard protects the teeth from grinding while a mouthguard protects the teeth from injury during high-impact activities like sports.
Mouthguards are thicker and more durable, while nightguards are thinner, yet still strong.
How will I know if my child needs a nightguard?
Look out for grinding and clenching noises during sleep, complaints of jaw pain or headaches, worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth, and facial soreness in the morning.
How will I know if my child needs a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are recommended for many sports, especially high-impact sports where collisions and falls are more likely to happen. We recommend them for kids who play basketball, soccer, wrestling, football, hockey, baseball, martial arts, skateboarding, biking, and gymnastics.
