Types of Mouthguards: Which One Do I Need?

July 15, 2022

Mouthguards have many functions. They protect your teeth and mouth from injury and impact. They do this by protecting your teeth from the wear and tear of jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding that some people involuntarily do when they are asleep. This protects not just your teeth but also the soft tissues in your mouth, such as the tongue, gum, and cheeks. Mouth guards are also worn to prevent serious injuries resulting from tongue-biting or other impacts during athletic activities, too. Mouthguards also prevent snoring while you sleep.

There are different mouthguards that you can wear based on your dental needs. Read on to learn about mouthguards and which mouthguard is best for you.

Types of Mouthguards

The main types of mouthguards are standard, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted mouthguards. You also have adjustable nightguards and Invisalign nightguards. Read on to know more about which type is used for the particular purpose that you are looking for.

Standard Mouthguards

Standard mouthguards or stock mouthguards are easily available in most drugstores or sporting stores. They are relatively inexpensive and come in fixed sizes like small, medium, and large. The issue with standard mouthguards is that they do not always fit well since they are not equipped to mold your teeth. Because of this, they can be pretty uncomfortable to wear.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are also easily available and tend to be more comfortable than standard mouthguards. They are made of thermoplastic materials, so you can mold them to fit your teeth.

First, you boil the mouthguard so that it softens. Place the softened mouthguard in your mouth and press it onto your teeth with your fingers. Once it is fitted over your teeth, bite down on it so that it takes on the mold of your teeth. You can heat and mold the mouthguard multiple times until you get the right fit.

It's best to follow the specific instructions that come with the boil-and-bite mouthguard, which will tell you the exact steps to be followed when heating it and fitting it.

Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Based on your needs, your dentist can design a customized mouthguard for you. They will do this by taking a mold of your teeth and creating a mouthguard that fits the mold. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best cushioning for your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth.

Another benefit of these mouthguards is that the dentist will make them according to your specific functional needs, such as protection from athletic injury or to prevent wear and tear from your teeth-grinding habit. These mouthguards are comparatively more expensive but are the most comfortable to wear since they fit your teeth and mouth.

Your dental health insurance may cover the expense of custom-fitted mouthguards partially or completely. Check with your health insurance provider to find out if they do.

Adjustable Mouthguards

These are also called adjustable mouthpieces or adjustable nightguards. They are usually worn while sleeping to help reduce snoring, sleep apnea, or jaw-clenching. These mouthguards come with a few different size settings that you can switch between to increase or decrease the size of the mouthpiece.

Invisalign Mouthguards

Standard and adjustable night guards are great, but they can be uncomfortable to wear over time. To avoid this, your dentist can design an Invisalign night guard for you. These night guards are slimmer and almost transparent, so you can also wear them during the day to prevent clenching and grinding.

Which Type of Mouthguard Do I Need?

The type of mouthguard you need depends on the kind of protection you need and the situation you need. The following will help you understand which mouthguard may be most suitable and convenient for you, based on your specific needs.

Protection During Athletic Activity

A sports mouthguard is helpful if you regularly play contact sports like football, soccer, rugby, basketball, or boxing. It protects your teeth, tongue, lips, and gums from impact and injury. An athletic guard will help prevent serious injury in case you get hit by a ball, another player, or in the case of a fall. A custom-made athletic guard will be the right option if you are a professional athlete or a regular player. It offers the best protection and the most intuitive fit.

Jaw-Clenching and Teeth-Grinding

A mouthguard helps protect your teeth from the regular wear and tear of jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding. These habits may be caused by bruxism—a medical condition responsible for teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching. Clenching and grinding wear away the enamel of your teeth, making them sensitive. It can damage and wear out costly dental fittings like crowns and implants. They can also lead to jaw pain and TMJ. A mouthguard keeps your teeth separated and helps maintain your jaw in position while you sleep. A custom-made mouthguard is suitable for this as it fits comfortably without getting easily dislodged.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Mouthguards help prevent sleep apnea and snoring. When you sleep, your jaws relax and fall back, so the airway at the back of your throat shrinks. This can block or reduce air passage and cause problems with breathing while you sleep. This is a condition called sleep apnea. Snoring happens because the tissues at the back of your throat vibrate when your jaw moves back closer to your throat.

A nightguard will shift your lower jaw forward and prevent the airway at the back of your throat from getting blocked. It is best to use a night guard that fits well and doesn't disturb your sleep. A custom-made night guard like Invisalign would be good as it is slimmer, less clunky, and keeps your jaw in place. You could also try an adjustable mouthguard which has options for adjusting the size, but the fit of a custom-made one is unbeatable.

Orthodontic Patients

Make sure you safeguard the results of your expensive orthodontic work. Night guards hold your teeth in place and prevent them from shifting while you sleep.

To find out if you need a mouthguard and which mouthguard will work best for you, visit Patriot Family Dental, your family dentist in Clarksville, TN. You can call us at (931) 645-2469 or book an appointment online now!

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Dental Sealants for Kids: Are They Worth It?

July 29, 2026

As a parent, you want to protect your child’s smile. While brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential, some areas of the teeth are harder to keep clean. That’s where dental sealants for kids can make a big difference. At Patriot Family Dental, we believe prevention is the best approach to lifelong oral health. Dental sealants are a simple, safe, and effective way to protect children’s teeth from cavities before they start. If you’ve wondered whether dental sealants are worth it, here’s what you need to know. What Are Dental Sealants? Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings placed onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, also known as the molars and premolars. Molars have peaks and valleys where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped, rendering them more susceptible to tooth decay. The sealant creates a smooth barrier over these grooves, preventing plaque and bacteria from settling in hard-to-reach areas. The application is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Why Are Sealants Recommended for Children? Children are prone to cavities because they are still developing strong oral hygiene habits. Even with consistent brushing, it’s often difficult to thoroughly clean the deep grooves in the back teeth. Most children receive dental sealants shortly after their permanent molars erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. Applying sealants during these years provides protection when the risk of cavities is highest. Research shows dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in permanent molars, making them among the most effective preventive treatments available for children. Benefits of Dental Sealants Dental sealants offer several important advantages for growing smiles, including: Helping prevent cavities before they develop Protecting hard-to-clean chewing surfaces Diminishing the need for future fillings or more extensive dental treatment Offering long-lasting protection with proper care Supplying a quick, comfortable, and non-invasive procedure Sealants work alongside good oral hygiene—not as a replacement for brushing and flossing, but as an added layer of protection. How Long Do Dental Sealants Last? They are very durable and can last several years. During your child’s routine dental visits, we will check the sealants to make certain they remain intact. If a sealant becomes worn or chipped, it can often be repaired or replaced quickly. Regular dental examinations allow us to monitor both the sealants and your child’s overall oral health. Are Dental Sealants Safe? Of course; they have been used safely for decades and are recommended by leading dental organizations as a productive way to prevent tooth decay in children. The materials are carefully tested for safety, and the application process is painless. In just a few minutes per tooth, children receive protection that may help prevent cavities for years. Supporting Healthy Smiles at Home While dental sealants afford valuable protection, they work best combined with healthy daily habits. Parents can help children maintain strong teeth by: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste Flossing every day Limiting sweet snacks and beverages Encouraging a balanced, nutritious diet Scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams These simple habits, together with preventive treatments like sealants, create a firm foundation for lifelong oral health. Protect Your Child’s Smile with Preventive Care Dental sealants are a smart investment in your child’s long-term oral health. By protecting vulnerable teeth before cavities develop, sealants help reduce future dental problems, save time, and lower treatment costs. At Patriot Family Dental, we’re committed to helping children build strong, bright smiles that last a lifetime. Our team will evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if sealants are the right choice based on their individual needs. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment today while discovering how preventive care can keep their smile healthy, strong, and cavity-free for years to come.

What Your Gums Are Telling You About Your Health

June 29, 2026

At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.