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Have you ever woken with a sore jaw or noticed chipped teeth and wondered what’s going on? A dental mouthguard can be a simple, affordable solution to protect your teeth from grinding, clenching, or sports impacts. Think of a mouthguard like a shock absorber for your smile—small, often unnoticed, but hugely protective. Whether you need a night guard to stop bruxism or a sports mouthguard to protect during contact play, knowing where to buy and what to look for makes all the difference.
Not all mouthguards are created equal. They fall into clear categories based on how they’re made and what they protect against. Understanding these types helps you choose quickly and confidently, whether you’re shopping at a pharmacy, big-box store, or a specialized online lab.
Night guards—also called occlusal guards—are designed to prevent teeth-from-teeth contact while you sleep. They typically range from about 1/16 inch to 3/16 inch in thickness. Thicker guards (closer to 1/4 inch) can offer more cushioning but may feel bulky at first. These guards reduce tooth wear, ease jaw tension, and can even help with headaches linked to grinding.
Sports mouthguards are built to absorb and distribute impact from collisions in sports like football, basketball, and hockey. They usually prioritize shock absorption and secure fit. You’ll see designs that cover only the upper teeth or full-coverage guards that protect both upper and lower arches for high-risk sports. Many fit options aim to stay in place during heavy movement or contact.
Stock mouthguards are ready out of the package but often lack a tailored fit. Boil-and-bite options (popular at drugstores) soften in hot water and mold to your teeth—an affordable middle ground. Custom mouthguards are made from dental impressions, either through a dentist or direct-to-consumer labs; they cost more but usually provide superior comfort and protection. Choosing between these depends on budget, comfort needs, and how often you’ll wear it.
From neighborhood pharmacies to specialized online dental labs, the U.S. market offers plenty of options. Below are popular stores and providers—what you can expect from each, and tips to make the best buy.
Amazon is a go-to for many buyers because of its huge selection and fast delivery. You’ll find everything from basic stock guards to well-reviewed boil-and-bite kits and specialty brands. Look for high-rated products, read user reviews for fit and durability, and check product Q&A sections to answer common fit concerns. Prime shipping can be helpful if you need a guard quickly.
Walmart stocks a wide range of mouthguards both in-store and online. Its shelves typically carry stock and boil-and-bite types at wallet-friendly prices, and you can also find select specialty brands. The advantage is easy returns and in-person try-before-you-buy in many locations. If budget is a key factor, Walmart often balances price and basic quality well.
Target combines convenience with curated selections, often carrying reputable boil-and-bite kits along with a few brand-name custom options online. Target’s private-label and national brands tend to focus on user-friendly packaging and clear fitting instructions—great for first-time buyers. Target Circle deals occasionally lower the price further.
CVS and Walgreens are ideal when you want immediate availability. Their stores typically carry boil-and-bite night guards and sports guards, and pharmacists can sometimes provide quick advice on sizing. These stores are handy for emergency replacements or trying an over-the-counter option before moving to a custom guard.
If you’re buying a mouthguard specifically for athletics, sporting goods stores like Dick’s carry options tailored to performance and safety standards. You’ll find sport-specific models, different thicknesses, and products endorsed by athletes. Staff can often advise on what’s best for your sport, whether you need full face protection or a slim, breathable option for speed sports.
For a closer-to-dentist fit without the dental office price tag, consider direct-to-consumer custom labs. Companies like Pro Teeth Guard, Smile Brilliant, and Sentinel Oral Care send impression kits or offer in-lab customization. The process generally takes a few weeks from impression to delivery, but the result is a tailored guard that feels more natural and offers superior protection for nightly wear.
Choosing a mouthguard is more than picking the prettiest color. Focus on fit, material, and intended use. A guard that fits well will not interfere with breathing or speech and will stay in place during use. Thickness matters: thin guards around 1/16 inch are lightweight but offer less cushioning, while guards near 1/4 inch provide more shock absorption. Materials can vary from softer thermoplastics to sturdier EVA blends—so consider comfort versus durability.
Measure or estimate jaw size in relation to standard sizing guides when shopping online. When using boil-and-bite kits, follow the heating time precisely—overheating can ruin the fit. Aim for a snug fit that doesn’t slip; if it does, you’ll grind teeth against plastic and reduce protection. For sports, ensure the mouthguard covers all necessary teeth without cutting into the gums.
Most mouthguards are made from medical-grade thermoplastic or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). If you have known allergies, check product labeling for latex or other materials. Custom labs sometimes offer hypoallergenic options, so ask before you order if you have sensitivities.
Prices vary widely. Stock guards can cost under $10 at big-box stores, boil-and-bite kits typically run $15 to $50, and custom guards from labs usually start around $100 and can go up several hundred dollars depending on materials and warranty. Dentistry-made custom guards from your dentist can be the most expensive but often include in-person fitting and adjustments. Think of price as a balance between immediate cost and long-term comfort and durability.
Some dental insurance plans cover custom night guards if grinding is diagnosed, but coverage varies. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds may be used for medically necessary mouthguards—check your plan details and save receipts when you buy.
Taking care of a mouthguard extends its life and keeps your mouth healthy. Rinse it after every use, brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap, and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water—it can warp thermoplastic material. Replace guards when they show signs of wear, persistent odor, or cracking. For travel, keep the guard in a sturdy container and avoid leaving it in hot cars where heat can deform it.
For deep cleaning, occasional soaking in an antimicrobial or denture-cleaning solution works well. Avoid strong bleach or alcohol-based cleaners that can break down material. If you use whitening products, keep them separate from guard care to avoid discoloration or material damage.
Before hitting “buy,” run through a quick checklist. Will you use the guard nightly or only for sports? Do you need custom fit? What’s your budget? Does the product offer a warranty or trial period? Read reviews for real-world feedback on comfort and durability. If buying from a custom lab, check turnaround time for impressions and shipping. This quick vetting process keeps surprises to a minimum and raises the odds you’ll get a guard you actually wear.
If your grinding is severe, you experience jaw pain that affects daily life, or your teeth are already showing significant damage, seeing a dentist is the safer route. A dentist can provide a professionally made guard and check for underlying issues such as sleep apnea or TMJ disorders. Think of over-the-counter options as great starters—professional care is the next step for persistent or complex problems.
Want the best value? Look for seasonal sales at big-box retailers, bundled family sports packs at sporting stores, or coupon codes from custom labs. Sign up for email lists to get introductory discounts. If you’re unsure between a boil-and-bite and a custom model, buy a boil-and-bite first to test nightly use. If you wear it consistently, upgrading to a custom guard makes sense for comfort and durability.
Choosing the right dental mouthguard boils down to a few key factors: purpose, fit, and where you buy it. Big retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer convenience and range, while pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are great for quick purchases. Sports stores can guide athletes to sport-specific protection, and specialty custom providers deliver tailored comfort for frequent users. Follow the fit, thickness, and care tips above, and you’ll protect your smile without guesswork. A well-chosen mouthguard is a small device that pays huge dividends for oral health—like a seatbelt for your teeth.
