(Yes, You Probably Need One)

If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw, noticed your kid grinding their teeth, or play a sport where face-meets-anything-hard is a regular occurrence, then a mouth guard might just be your new best friend.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this blog: 

✔ What a mouth guard actually does (and why it’s more than just a chunk of plastic).
✔ The different types of mouth guards, and how to know which one’s right for you or your child.
✔ Why a custom-fit mouth guard from Mint Orthodontics is worth it.

What Is a Mouth Guard, Really?

A mouth guard (also known as a night guard or sports guard, depending on the use) is a protective device worn over your teeth to shield them from damage. They’re most commonly used to: 

🦷 Prevent teeth grinding (bruxism)
⚽ Protect against sports injuries
😴 Manage symptoms of TMJ and sleep-related issues

Our custom mouth guards are designed with comfort, performance, and long-term dental health in mind.

When Should You or Your Child Wear a Mouth Guard?

Here are some signs and situations that might mean it’s time to guard that grin:

During Contact Sports

Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries when not wearing a mouth guard. Eeek! Be careful out there!

If you (or your kid) play sports like football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, or martial arts, a custom sports guard can prevent chipped teeth, busted lips, and more serious jaw injuries. Mouth guards can also help reduce the likelihood of concussions. (Pro tip: This is especially important with braces, protect those brackets!)

If You Grind Your Teeth

If you’re waking up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or sensitive teeth you might be grinding at night, and that can wear down your enamel, cause fractures, and even shift your teeth. Night guards help cushion that clenching so your teeth (and jaw joints) get a break.

TMJ or Jaw Discomfort

Mouth guards can be part of managing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). They help position your jaw in a way that reduces tension and protects against unconscious clenching.

The Mouth Guard Hierarchy

We get it, you’ve seen the boil-and-bite guards at the drugstore and thought, “Good enough.” But here’s the thing, fit matters. A lot.

Store-Bought Guards:

✖ Bulky and uncomfortable
✖ Often fall out
✖ Can irritate gums or make it harder to breathe or talk
✖ Short-term fix at best

Boil and Bite Guards:

✖ Could provide inadequate protection
✖ Can interfere with proper jaw growth in young athletes
✖ Offer less protection than custom guards
✖ Wear down faster

Mint-Custom Guards:

✔ Digitally designed for a precise, personalized fit
✔ Slim, sleek, and comfortable to wear
✔ Built to last and made with high-quality materials
✔ Backed by our Mint team (because we’ve got your back, and your bite)

Whether it’s a sports guard for your MVP-in-the-making or a night guard to protect your investment in braces or Invisalign, we’ve got you covered.

“But I Have Braces! What Do I Do?”

Great question. We can still create a mouth guard that fits your current appliance and evolves with your treatment. Whether you’re in Lightforce braces or Invisalign, our team will make sure your guard supports your journey without slowing you down.

Protect Now, Smile Later

Your smile is one of your best assets. A mouth guard might seem small, but it can save you from big-time dental drama down the road, from chipped teeth and jaw issues to worn enamel and orthodontic delays.

 

Ready to Guard That Gorgeous Smile?

Let’s talk! Book a consultation with our team to see if a custom mouth guard is right for you or your child. We’ll walk you through the process (it’s fast and painless, we promise!) and help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.