Athletes and Night Guards: Why Mouthguards Aren’t Just for Sports

If you're an athlete, you already know the importance of a sports mouthguard—it protects your teeth from impacts during games. But what about after the game? Many athletes don’t realize they also need a night guard to protect against something just as damaging: teeth grinding (bruxism).

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Why athletes grind their teeth more
✔ How sports guards fail for nighttime protection
✔ The best night guard options for active individuals

Why Athletes Are Prone to Teeth Grinding

1. Physical Stress & Adrenaline

• Intense training increases cortisol levels, leading to jaw clenching.

• Post-game adrenaline crashes can trigger nighttime grinding.

2. Mouthguard Use During the Day

• Wearing a sports guard for hours trains your jaw to clench.

• This habit often continues even after removing it.

3. Concussions & Jaw Trauma

• Contact sports increase risk of TMJ disorders, which worsen grinding.

Sports Mouthguards vs. Night Guards: Key Differences

💡 A sports guard won’t stop grinding—it’s like wearing cleats to bed!

Do You Need Both?

✅ Yes, if you:
✔ Play contact sports (football, hockey, MMA) AND
✔ Wake up with jaw pain or headaches

💡 Use your sports guard for games, and a night guard for sleep.

Best Night Guards for Athletes

**1. Dual-Layer Custom Guards

• Hard outer shell prevents wear from grinding

• Soft inner layer reduces jaw strain

**2. Low-Profile Slim Fit

• Less bulky than sports guards

• Won’t interfere with breathing

**3. Durable Materials

• Athletes often grind harder—choose 2-3mm thick guards.

👉 Recommended: New Smile Life’s Athletic Night Guard (custom-fit for grinders with active lifestyles).

Tips to Reduce Grinding as an Athlete

✔ Cool down properly (reduce post-game tension)
✔ Stretch your jaw after wearing a sports guard
✔ Stay hydrated (dehydration increases muscle cramps)
✔ Manage stress (meditation, breathing exercises)

Final Thought: Protect Around the Clock

Your teeth face two different battles:

• Daytime: Impacts from sports → sports mouthguard

• Nighttime: Grinding from stress → night guard

Don’t leave your smile half-protected.

FAQ

Q: Can I use my sports mouthguard as a night guard?
A: No! It’s too bulky and not designed for grinding forces.

Q: Do night guards help with concussions?
A: No, but they prevent dental damage if grinding worsens post-injury.

Q: How do I clean my night guard after workouts?
A: Rinse with cool water and brush gently—avoid hot water (can warp it).

Athlete-approved night guards: New Smile Life

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