Night guard for teeth grinding: start with a dentist, then choose the right guard
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- Boil-and-bite night guard made for grinding. Best for: A short-term stopgap while you wait for a dental exam. See options on Amazon
- Vented hard case for a night guard. Best for: Anyone with a custom or store-bought guard. See options on Amazon
- Night guard cleaning tablets. Best for: People who want a deeper soak between daily brushing. See options on Amazon
- Reusable cold pack for jaw pain. Best for: Grinders who wake with a sore or swollen jaw. See options on Amazon
What a night guard does, and what it does not
Mayo Clinic describes splints and mouth guards as appliances that keep the top and bottom teeth separated while you sleep. They can be made of hard plastic or a softer material, and they fit over either the upper or lower teeth. The NHS says they are worn at night and protect your teeth from damage.
A guard protects. It does not switch off the habit. Cleveland Clinic notes that people with bruxism often do not know they are grinding, which is why sleep grinding tends to do more harm than daytime grinding. A guard takes the wear instead of your enamel, fillings and crowns.
Cleveland Clinic lists the common signs as morning headaches or facial pain, sore jaw muscles, earaches, ringing in the ears, pain when eating and trouble opening or closing the mouth. The ADA's MouthHealthy site adds that dentists often spot grinding first, from chipped or cracked teeth or worn edges.
Why the dentist comes first
Jaw pain and worn teeth have more than one possible cause. MouthHealthy points out that jaw pain can come from sinus problems, infections, arthritis, injuries, gum disease or jaw joint problems, so a dentist should examine it. Cleveland Clinic adds that grinding and sleep apnea are linked, and a sleep study may be needed in some cases.
The NHS says to see a dentist if you grind your teeth and have tooth damage or sensitive teeth, pain in your jaw, face or ear, if a partner hears you grinding in your sleep, or if you are worried about a child grinding. Cleveland Clinic also says treatment is often not needed for mild or occasional grinding, so an exam can save you from buying something you do not need.
Custom, boil-and-bite and stock guards compared
Cleveland Clinic sorts mouth guards into three groups. Here is how they differ for night use.
| Type | How it is fitted | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Custom (dentist-made) | Impressions with dental putty or a digital scan; a lab makes it, which can take up to two weeks | The closest, most comfortable fit, and it can last several years with care |
| Boil-and-bite | Softened in hot water at home, then bitten into shape | Less protection than a custom guard; may need replacing a few times a year |
| Stock | Worn straight from the box | No reshaping at all, so it cannot follow the shape of your teeth |
A sports mouthguard is a different product. MouthHealthy says it has extra cushioning for high-impact activity, which usually is not comfortable for sleep. Shop for a guard labeled for grinding or bruxism, not for sports.
Cleveland Clinic also notes that store-bought guards are not appropriate for sleep apnea. If you snore loudly or gasp at night, see our anti snoring mouthpiece guide and talk to a doctor.
If you use a store-bought guard for now
- Follow the maker's fitting steps exactly. Overheating or rushing the molding step can spoil the fit.
- Expect an adjustment period. Cleveland Clinic says it can take time to get used to a guard.
- Stop if it hurts. A poor fit can make the teeth, gums or jaw sore, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Keep the dental appointment. A stopgap guard does not tell you why you grind or whether damage is already there.
If you mainly clench rather than grind, our night guard for clenching guide covers the jaw-muscle side of the problem.
Cleaning, storage and replacement
- Brush your teeth before you put the guard in. Cleveland Clinic says guards pick up bacteria from your mouth.
- After each use, rinse it in cool water, brush it with soapy water and let it air dry.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and hot water, which can warp it.
- Store it in a sturdy, vented case, and keep it away from dogs and other pets.
- Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can look for cracks and wear. Replace any guard that is cracked, worn or no longer fits well.
Habits that may ease grinding alongside a guard
The NHS and Mayo Clinic both suggest steps that may reduce grinding or its effects:
- Relaxation, breathing exercises and regular exercise to manage stress, which the NHS calls the most common cause
- Less caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and no smoking
- A regular bedtime and a dark, quiet bedroom
- An ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 20 to 30 minutes for a painful jaw, per the NHS
- Avoiding gum and hard foods while the jaw or teeth hurt
What to look for when you buy
Boil-and-bite night guard made for grinding
Best for: A short-term stopgap while you wait for a dental exam
You shape it to your own teeth at home, so it usually fits better than a stock guard. MouthHealthy says over-the-counter night guards can protect teeth, though less than a custom one.
Watch out: Not a substitute for a dentist-made guard, and not for sleep apnea. Stop wearing it if your teeth, gums or jaw get sore.
See options on AmazonVented hard case for a night guard
Best for: Anyone with a custom or store-bought guard
Cleveland Clinic advises a sturdy, vented case so the guard can dry and stays protected from crushing and pets.
Watch out: Check the inside depth against your guard, and keep the case out of a hot car or sunny windowsill.
See options on AmazonNight guard cleaning tablets
Best for: People who want a deeper soak between daily brushing
Daily care is rinsing and brushing with soapy water. A soak made for retainers and guards can be an extra step if your dentist agrees.
Watch out: Use cool or lukewarm water only, since heat can warp a guard, and ask your dentist before using any cleaner on a custom appliance.
See options on AmazonReusable cold pack for jaw pain
Best for: Grinders who wake with a sore or swollen jaw
The NHS suggests an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 20 to 30 minutes to ease jaw pain or swelling.
Watch out: Always wrap it; never put a frozen pack straight on skin. Ongoing jaw pain needs a dental check.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do I need a dentist for a night guard?
- It is the best route. A dentist can confirm grinding, rule out other causes of jaw pain and make a custom guard, which Cleveland Clinic and MouthHealthy say fits and protects better than a store-bought one.
- Are over-the-counter night guards any good?
- They can offer some protection, but Cleveland Clinic says store-bought guards are less effective against grinding. Use one as a temporary measure and stop if it causes soreness.
- How long does a night guard last?
- Cleveland Clinic says a custom guard can last several years with proper care, while store-bought guards may need replacing a few times a year. Replace any guard that is cracked, worn or loose.
- Can I use a sports mouthguard for grinding?
- It is not a good fit for sleep. MouthHealthy says sports guards have extra cushioning for impact, which usually is not comfortable to sleep in.
- Will a night guard stop me grinding?
- Usually not. It keeps the teeth apart so they wear less. Managing stress, caffeine, alcohol and sleep may help with the habit itself.
Sources
- Mouth Guards: Types and Purpose (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) (nhs.uk), NHS
- Teeth Grinding (mouthhealthy.org), American Dental Association, MouthHealthy
- Bruxism: Diagnosis and treatment (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic