Mouth guards vs sports guards: Protecting your smile
Many local people enjoy an active lifestyle here in East Devon—whether that’s bowls, croquet, tennis, golf, cricket, walking the coastal path or taking part in local fitness groups. With so many opportunities to stay active, it’s important to make sure your teeth are protected too.
Two of the simplest ways to safeguard your smile are mouth guards and sports guards. Although they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.
What Is a mouth guard?
A mouth guard (often called a night guard) is worn while you sleep. It helps prevent damage caused by:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Jaw joint discomfort
- Excess pressure on teeth, crowns or fillings
Many people grind their teeth without realising it, and over time this can lead to cracking, wear, headaches and jaw pain. A professionally fitted mouth guard gently cushions the teeth and supports the jaw, helping prevent long‑term problems.
What Is a sports guard?
A sports guard is worn during physical activity to protect against injury. Even low‑impact sports and hobbies can put your teeth at risk of knocks or falls. A properly made sports guard can help protect against:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked‑out teeth
- Cuts to the lips and cheeks
- Jaw injuries
They are especially important for anyone who plays tennis, cricket, rugby, football, or participates in gym and fitness classes.
Why professional fitting is important
Although shop‑bought guards are available, they rarely fit well and don’t offer the same level of protection.
At Ashbury Dental Care, guards are made using our impression‑free digital scanner, meaning:
- No messy impressions
- A precise and comfortable fit
- Better protection and durability
- Safe for patients with crowns, bridges or implants
For children and teens who play local sports, a correctly fitted sports guard is essential—and we offer free routine dental care for children aged 5 and under with a registered parent or carer.
Looking after your guard
Whichever type you use, caring for it properly helps it last longer:
- Rinse with cool water after use
- Clean gently with a soft toothbrush
- Let it dry fully before storing
- Keep it in its protective case
- Bring it to your dental appointments so your dentist can check the fit
- Avoid leaving it near heat, as this can cause it to warp.
We’re here to help
Ashbury Dental Care in Budleigh Salterton offers same‑day emergency appointments, on‑site parking, state‑of‑the‑art surgeries with beautiful views, and a friendly, welcoming team.
If you’re unsure which type of guard you need, or you’d like one professionally made, our team would be delighted to help. Call 01395 444432 or send us a message and our team will get back to you within 1 working day.