We recommend wearing a mouthguard for: Athletes who participate in a sport that exposes them to the risk of falling or being hit in the face, like basketball players and ice hockey players. A sports mouthguard for athletes protects the face, jaw, teeth, lips, gums, and arches of teeth from both indirect and direct hits, reducing the risk of injuries. People who snore or suffer from sleep apnoea. A special mouthguard (bite splint) opens airways by pulling the lower jaw forward and can improve the quality of sleep. People who clench or grind their teeth at night (bruxism). If left untreated, bruxism can lead to chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth and even nerve damage. A night guard (occlusal splint) can prevent this from happening.