Best Mouth Guards For Grinding Teeth at Night

Teeth grinding, a medical condition called bruxism, is caused by clenched jaw muscles and can create bothersome symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, chipped teeth, and sleep apnea. While no cure has been discovered for bruxism, sleepers who struggle with the condition can find relief and protection by wearing a specialized mouth guard when they sleep.

Whether you struggle with genetic bruxism or find yourself grinding your teeth at night more frequently due to stress and anxiety, a nightguard will alleviate grinding and, in some cases, train you to stop grinding altogether. Nightguards can be fitted in the dentist’s office or purchased at drugstores. Keep reading to discover our recommendations for the best over-the-counter mouth guards for sleeping. We’ve also included a shopping guide with considerations for buying and an explanation of the different types of night guards available today.

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Best Mouth Guards For Grinding Teeth at Night

• Pro Teeth Guard – Best Custom
• Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope – Best for Small Mouths
• Ora-Guard Dental Grind Guard – Best for Sensitive Teeth

Best Custom

Pro Teeth Guard

For those interested in a customized tray without a visit to the dentist, the Pro Teeth Guard is a high quality, durable option. While visiting your dentist’s office is your best bet if you’re interested in investing in a custom mouth guard for sleep, the time and costs associated with this aren’t plausible for some people. After purchase, an impression kit will be mailed to your home. You simply mail your impression to the company’s lab and a custom mouth guard will be mailed to your address. The Pro Teeth Guard is available in two styles: adult female and adult male. This custom option is more expensive than most at $179.99, but it’s made with 2mm thick dual-laminate and a hard acrylic outer layer for added durability. The Pro Teeth Guard comes with a 60-night sleep trial and 60-day money-back guarantee.

Best for Small Mouths

Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope

This guard by Oral-B comes recommended by dentists for those suffering from nighttime clenching and grinding.  This affordable, semi-custom fitted mouth guard has a pleasant, minty flavor and can be softened in the microwave. Reviewers note that it’s even more comfortable than the expensive, custom trays they had made in the past for hundreds of dollars. Others say it didn’t quite cover their front teeth, while those with smaller teeth say otherwise. If you find regular dental guards too large, this may be the one for you. The process for molding the Oral-B guard in your home is simple, requiring only three minutes and a microwave or boiling water to make an impression of your teeth. The product is made with BPA- and latex-free materials. Sold for less than $20, this kit from Oral-B includes a guard, impression tray, and convenient storage case, and it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Ora-Guard Dental Grind Guard

Our choice for sleepers with sensitive front teeth, the Ora-Guard only covers the back teeth for a comfortable fit. The patented bite plate wedge design of the Ora-Guard slides the lower jaw down and forward to relieve tension on the TMJ muscles, also providing better jaw position for easier breathing. It has a low profile, meaning that it isn’t bulky and will be comfortable to wear, and the patented design ensures that the mouth guard will remain secure and not slip. Customizable through the microwave or the traditional boil-and-bite method, this mouth guard allows your teeth to move naturally throughout the night while relieving muscle tension.

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Mouth Guard Buying Guide

Types of Mouth Guards for Sleep

There are three common mouth guard designs: custom impression, boil-and-bite, and stock. Below, we explore the three types and share the pros and cons of each.

• Custom Impression—The most expensive of the three options, custom dental mouth guards are created with an impression of a sleeper’s mouth. These types of mouth guards require a visit to the dentist’s office and can cost $500 or more. Some custom designs are available for purchase online. In these cases, purchasers send their dental impression to the company and receive their customized mouth guard by mail. While costly, these mouth guards produce excellent results due to their tailored designs.
• Boil-and-bite—Made from material that softens in hot water, the owner submerges the mouth guard in boiling water, allows it to cool, and then bites down to create a customized impression. While not as advanced as custom models, these are more affordable. But if you mess up the first impression, some customers say it can be difficult to change it, even with re-boiling.
• Stock—Typically “one size fits all,” stock mouth guards are not customizable or trimmable but are the most inexpensive option. These may be best if you only occasionally suffer from night-grinding or need a quick fix as you wait for a custom mold.

Considerations

When choosing a mouth guard for sleep, it’s important to weigh the following factors:

• Cost—Your budget will determine the type of mouth guard you can afford, as dental impression models can cost $500 or more. Boil-and-bite and stock mouth guards typically cost $30 or less.
• Personal concerns—Whether you need relief from grinding or jaw pain, make sure to find a mouth guard that tackles your specific issue. For example, if your pain is worse in your back teeth, a smaller model with no front mold might be more effective and comfortable. If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, look for a mouth guard that aims to alleviate those symptoms.
• Molded or one-size-fits-all—If you suffer from severe bruxism, a moldable night tray may be more effective. Some models can be trimmed with scissors to achieve a better fit.
• Impressions—If an impression is required, consider the costs and timeline of mailing the impression to the manufacturer and waiting for your trays. This can range from 30 to 365 nights. There’s also always the possibility of at-home human error, so if you’re worried and willing to spend the extra money, the dentist is your best bet.
• Cleaning instructions—Most guards require a simple rinse, but some options require time-consuming cleanings with costly solutions. It’s important to clean your mouth guard for the sake of oral hygiene, so be prepared to take care of it regardless.

How to Choose the Right Mouth Guard for Sleep

Sleep bruxism is difficult to treat, but it isn’t impossible to prevent bothersome symptoms with the right mouth guard. If you’re someone who grinds their teeth or if you suffer from jaw pain as a result of stress, alcohol, or caffeine, our list above provides a few options to get you started and thinking about your needs. These options can provide relief if you’re not interested in visiting the dentist just yet for a full consultation just yet.