Is It Safe to Wear a Sports Guard While You Sleep?

July 09, 2025

Athlete asleep in bed, possibly wearing a sports guard meant for daytime use

We tend to be creative when it comes to practicality. We’ve learned how to reuse, recycle, and prolong the life of our valuable items, all because we want to save more money. But when our oral health is at stake, is it wise to use something aside from its intended purpose?

Take a sports mouth guard, for example. Durable? Absolutely. We all want a mouthguard that can stand up to intense jaw clenching or teeth grinding. But is it actually safe to sleep with a sports mouthguard — or are we risking more damage?

In this blog, we’ll explain what a sports guard is, why it’s not recommended for sleep, and which mouthguard is safer for nighttime teeth grinding and bruxism relief.

What is a Sports Guard?

Five colorful sports mouthguards designed for physical activities, not for nighttime teeth grinding

Example shown — not the actual ClearClub product

Sports guards are bulkier, thicker, and more cushioned than typical night guards. They come in three types: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made versions — each with its own features, benefits, and limitations. They are usually made of shock-resistant materials to absorb high-impact forces from punches, collisions, and falls during athletic activity.

The American Dental Association strongly advises wearing a sports guard during any contact or collision sport, whether during practice or competition, to lessen the risk of dental injuries. They also list a few important features every sports guard should have:

Provide a secure and comfortable fit
Be made with FDA-approved, non-toxic materials
Fit naturally with the wearer's mouth structure
Be easy to clean and sanitize
Offer strong, reliable impact absorption

While these features are essential for protecting athletes during contact and collision sports, they don't provide the comfort or proper support needed to protect against teeth grinding at night. In fact, wearing the wrong type of mouthguard while you sleep can do more harm than good.

Want to know where a sports guard actually shines? Check this out: Playing Contact Sports? Here’s Why You Need a Mouth Guard

Five Dangers of Sleeping with a Sports Guard

Sleeping with a sports guard may seem like a good idea, especially since it's thicker and appears more durable than a typical night guard. But when it comes to teeth grinding at night, looks can be misleading. Here's why using a sports mouth guard for teeth grinding at night is a bad idea:

Too Bulky for Sleep

Sports guards are more padded than night guards for bruxism. This added bulk can make your jaw slightly open, making it harder for you to breathe while you are asleep. In the long run, it can cause jaw tension, interrupted sleep, and increased snoring.

Jaw Strain and Muscle Fatigue

The bulky build of sports guards can cause your jaw muscles to stay tense throughout the night. This prolonged clenching may lead to jaw soreness, fatigue, and even contribute to TMJ-related discomfort over time.

Risk of Bite Shifts

Because of its thickness, a sports guard can make your bite shift over time. Unlike bruxism night guards, sports guards are not designed to support your jaw’s natural position while you are asleep. If left unattended, this can cause discomfort, tension, and bite shifts.

Bacteria Buildup

The shape of sports guards makes them more likely to trap bacteria compared to night guards. Since they aren't molded for long-term wear, they don’t fit as snugly — which can lead to more exposure to bacteria.

Not for All-Night Use

Sports guards are made for short bursts of activity — like during workouts or games — not for hours of wear while you sleep. Wearing them overnight can take a toll on your oral health and mess with your sleep quality.

Still unsure about the difference between sports guards and night guards? Check out this quick guide: Understanding the Purpose of Different Types of Mouthguards

What You Should Wear Instead: Night Guards for Bruxism

Smiling woman holding a clear night guard — a safe, affordable solution for nighttime teeth grinding.

If you're grinding or clenching your teeth at night, picking the right mouthguard isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. A night guard is the only type designed to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Unlike thick and bulky sports guards, night guards are custom-molded to fit your teeth and built to handle nighttime grinding — without putting pressure on your jaw or facial muscles.

Clear custom night guard with a ClearClub case, ideal for preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Click photo to learn more about the product.

Looking for a reliable and affordable solution for teeth grinding at night? Try ClearClub’s Custom Night Guard! With the goal of protecting your teeth without compromising comfort, it’s crafted from FDA-approved, non-allergenic, latex-free, and BPA-free materials. Its hybrid design — a hard outer shell to handle the pressure from grinding and a soft inner lining to cushion your teeth — keeps nighttime teeth grinding manageable all night long.

Click photo to learn more about the product.

If you prefer something that is easier to find at night, ClearClub’s Colored Night Guards or Multi-Colored Night Guards are the best mouthguards for teeth grinding, low-light bedrooms, and nighttime use.

Bruxism doesn’t have to ruin your sleep. Find the right mouthguard and finally wake up without the soreness. Shop our most-loved picks today.