That’s actually something I’ve wondered about too—like, do the sports guards make it harder for kids to get used to sleeping with them? My nephew tried one of those chunky mouthguards for soccer, and he could barely talk with it in, let alone sleep. But maybe the ones made for night use are shaped differently? Or maybe kids just get used to it faster than adults would.
I’m also curious if there’s a difference in how well they stay in overnight. The soft ones my cousin used would end up on the pillow by morning half the time. Does the sturdier sports guard actually stay put better? I’d love to hear if anyone’s had luck with a thinner or custom-fit sports guard for nighttime. I keep thinking about all the drooling too... is that just me?
The soft ones my cousin used would end up on the pillow by morning half the time.
This! I tried one of those boil-and-bite guards for grinding, and every morning it was somewhere under my blanket. I’m honestly not sure how people keep them in all night. I get the drooling thing too—felt like I was drooling more than actually sleeping. I wonder if the custom ones are less bulky and more comfortable? The chunky sports ones just seem impossible for sleeping, but maybe kids adapt faster? I still can’t even talk with mine in...
I swear, those guards have a life of their own. First night I tried the sports one, I woke up convinced I’d swallowed it because it just vanished. Turns out it was under my dog, who apparently thought it was a chew toy. I can’t get used to the talking thing either—my partner says I sound like I’m auditioning for a zombie movie when I try to say goodnight with it in. The drooling is a whole other story. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s supposed to help my teeth or just keep my pillowcases in the laundry rotation.
I’ve heard custom ones are thinner but honestly, the idea of shelling out more money for something that might still end up on the floor makes me nervous. Maybe kids just get used to weird stuff faster? Or maybe their mouths are smaller so they fit better? Either way, I’m still at the “waking up confused and slightly damp” stage…
That drooling thing is real—I thought I was the only one! Mine always ends up wedged between the sheets or halfway under my pillow by morning. I tried a custom one from my dentist, and honestly, it felt way less bulky but still took a while to get used to. My kid actually thinks his is “cool” for soccer and never complains, so maybe there’s something to that smaller mouth theory. I’m still at the “why did I agree to this again?” phase most nights...
Mine always ends up wedged between the sheets or halfway under my pillow by morning.
That’s exactly what happens to mine, too—never where I left it. I’m curious, did your dentist mention if the custom ones help with jaw tension or headaches? I’ve heard some people say they noticed a difference, but I’m not sure if that’s just wishful thinking.