Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that is affecting a growing number of individuals. Stress and other lifestyle factors contribute to the pervasiveness of this disorder. Despite its prevalence, finding an effective treatment proves challenging for many.

Nighttime mouth guards have emerged as a principal solution to this problem. This article aims to tackle the problems you may face when selecting a mouth guard and will conclude with a list of some of the most recommended night guards for teeth grinding.

What Is Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism involves the grinding or clenching of teeth. Usually, people start teeth grinding at night, but it can also occur during waking hours, often as a stress response. I’ve had nights when I woke up with a sore jaw, indicating bruxism. Some studies suggest that the act of grinding can put from 300 to 3000 psi pressue on the teeth and jaw joints.

The condition not only damages the teeth but also strains the jaw muscles. Many healthcare professionals find it difficult to treat the root cause and generally focus on managing the symptoms instead. That’s why teeth grinding is a very common recommendation.

Causes of Grinding Your Teeth At Night

Several factors contribute to teeth grinding. Genetics, for example, can influence how you respond to stress, which may lead to teeth grinding. Some studies point to specific genes that make individuals more susceptible to bruxism. However, scientific discussions about the role of genetics and other factors are ongoing. Below is a table with other reasons for teeth grinding

Risks of Excessive Teeth Grinding

The repercussions of untreated bruxism are severe and extensive. Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly known as TMJ, affect the jaw joint, causing discomfort and a clicking sound when you chew or speak. Mouth tissue damage like gum recession exposes the root of the tooth, leading to increased sensitivity and potential tooth loss.

Enamel erosion, on the other hand, degrades the protective layer of your teeth, making them susceptible to decay. Given the pervasiveness of these issues, it’s crucial to address teeth grinding as soon as possible. Failing to act may escalate these issues into irreversible conditions.

How Does a Night Guard Help?

A nighttime mouth guard is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a tailor-made solution. The process begins with making an impression of your teeth. This mold serves as the blueprint for your custom night guard. Once you receive the guard, it’s essential to fit it into your mouth and make any necessary adjustments. The adjustment period can vary, but generally, it takes a few days to get used to sleeping with it.

The guard acts as a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the grinding and clenching motions that lead to wear and tear. It redistributes the force exerted during grinding, thereby minimizing the risk of enamel erosion, jaw strain, and other associated damages. This way, a night guard offers a practical and efficient method to combat the damaging effects of bruxism.

Buyer’s Guide on Choosing the Best Mouth Guard For Bottom Teeth

Selecting the appropriate mouth guard is essential for effective bruxism treatment. Multiple factors come into play, such as the type of mouth guard, the materials used, and the price. A well-informed decision can be the difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and an expensive dental bill.

Types

There are mainly three types of mouth guards:

• Stock mouth protectors
• Boil-and-bite mouth protectors
• Custom-fitted mouth protectors

Stock mouth protectors are readily available but often don’t provide a perfect fit. Boil-and-bite mouth protectors are made from thermoplastic material that can be molded to your teeth, providing a better fit than stock types. Custom-fitted mouth protectors, created from a dental impression, offer the best fit but are also the most expensive.

Materials

Mouth guards are typically made from materials like acrylic, soft EVA foam, or thermoplastic. Acrylic guards are durable but might feel bulky in your mouth. Soft EVA foam guards provide comfort but may wear out quicker. Thermoplastic guards, often used in boil-and-bite types, offer a balance between comfort and durability. It’s important to consider any allergies you might have to these materials before making a selection.

Price

Cost is an essential factor, especially when it comes to custom-fitted types. Stock mouth guards can be as cheap as $10, but their inefficiency makes them less of a bargain. Boil-and-bite models range from $20 to $50, offering a middle ground between cost and effectiveness. Custom-fitted mouth guards can cost upwards of $200 but are often the most effective option for treating bruxism.

Benefits of Using Mouth Guards For Lower Teeth

Using a mouth guard for lower teeth comes with a variety of benefits that not only alleviate the immediate symptoms of bruxism but also contribute to long-term dental health.

Comfort While Sleeping

The right mouth guard can significantly enhance your comfort during sleep by preventing the clenching and grinding that can disrupt a peaceful night.

Enhanced Protection

Mouth guards act as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping to reduce wear and potential damage to your tooth enamel.

Sensitivity Reduction

With the constant clenching and grinding, teeth become increasingly sensitive. A well-designed mouth guard can alleviate this issue.

Jaw Muscle Relaxation

Mouth guards help in maintaining a comfortable jaw position, which can relax your jaw muscles and reduce stress and tension.

Compatibility

A night guard for bottom teeth is designed to be compatible with braces and other dental devices, especially those you wear on upper teeth. Often, it makes a bottom mouthguard the only option. The same apply various dental issues that are pervalent on upper teeth.

Understanding the benefits can guide you in making an informed choice when selecting a mouth guard for your lower teeth. This can result in both immediate relief and long-term health benefits.

When Not To Use a Lower Mouth Guard?

While mouth guards are generally beneficial for people with bruxism, there are situations where using a lower mouth guard might not be advisable.

Severe Dental Issues

If you have severe dental conditions like gum disease, using a mouth guard could exacerbate the problem. A visit to the dental clinic is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Recent Oral Surgery

People who have recently undergone oral surgery should avoid using a mouth guard until fully healed, as it might interfere with the healing process.

Respiratory Issues

Individuals with certain respiratory issues, especially those that interfere with normal breathing through the nose, should exercise caution. Mouth guards could potentially restrict airflow through the mouth, complicating breathing further.

Children with Baby Teeth

For children who still have their baby teeth or are in the transitional phase to permanent teeth, a mouth guard may not be suitable due to the ongoing changes in the structure and alignment of their teeth.

Allergic Reactions

If you have known allergies to the materials used in mouth guards, like latex or certain plastics, avoid using them. It’s essential to find an alternative that doesn’t trigger allergic reactions.

Other Ways To Prevent Bruxism

While night guards are highly effective in managing bruxism, combining them with other treatments can enhance their effectiveness.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a common trigger for teeth grinding. Stress management techniques like deep breathing can help you relax and thereby reduce bruxism. For instance, before sleep, try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This form of therapy aims to change negative thought patterns. It can help identify triggers for teeth grinding and offer solutions to manage it better. A home practice could be journaling your thoughts before bed, focusing on positive affirmations.

Medication

Certain medications, particularly antidepressants, can contribute to bruxism. These medications can influence neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially leading to teeth grinding.

Changing Your Eating Habits

Limiting caffeine and alcohol can have a significant impact on reducing bruxism. Foods high in magnesium, like bananas, may help relax jaw muscles, reducing the unconscious act of teeth grinding.

Biofeedback Mechanisms

Biofeedback involves understanding the body’s automatic functions. Devices can measure muscle tension and provide real-time feedback, helping you reduce jaw clenching. Combining this with a night guard can provide comprehensive protection.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can offer exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve alignment. A simple exercise involves opening and closing the jaw gently, without letting your upper and lower teeth make contact.

Addressing Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth can both contribute to and be a result of bruxism, creating a vicious cycle. Mewing can help in aligning the teeth when mewing is done correctly. Dental work can be expensive, so mewing provides a cost-effective alternative.

Sleep Posture Adjustments

Poor sleep posture can contribute to teeth grinding. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated can alleviate this issue. However, using mouth guards remains the most effective treatment for bruxism.

TOP 8 Night Guards To Prevent Tongue Biting

#1 Remi

This custom-fitted Remi night guard not only protects against teeth grinding and clenching but also aims to improve sleep quality. The guard employs a unique hard-soft combination material, delivering both the durability of a hard night guard and the comfort of a soft one. Its ultra-thin profile adds to the comfort factor, and it comes at an affordable cost.

Positive Insights About Remi Guard

The hard-soft combination of materials offers a balance between protection and comfort that I found particularly beneficial when I personally tested Remi. Remi also offers a convenient replacement program that can send you a new night guard for every three months.

Negative Insights About Remi Guard

A minor downside to Remi Guard is that its fit may not be perfect for everyone. The customization process, while generally effective, might not achieve an ideal fit for all types of teeth and jaws.

#2 Pro Teeth Guard

Pro Teeth Guard quality rivals dentist-grade mouth guards. Priced affordably, this company is committed to making teeth protection accessible. Its customizable fit focuses specifically on helping individuals combat bruxism effectively. Many customers highly recommend Pro Teeth Night Guard for its optimal comfort and customizability.

Positive Insights About Pro Teeth Guard

I found the quality indeed comparable to what dentists offer when testing a few Pro Teeth guards. It is a solid option for those who grind their teeth. Additionally, the affordability makes it a practical choice for almost anyone.

Negative Insights About Pro Teeth Guard

The one stumbling block is the requirement for customers to make their teeth impressions, which some find to be a challenging or uncomfortable process. Nonetheless, taking your impression is a one-time hurdle that yields a custom fit.

#3 Chomper Labs

Chomper Labs distinguishes itself with custom-made night guards tailored for individual teeth clenching and grinding patterns. This company offers five types of night guards, each designed to address varying degrees of bruxism. The soft version of the guard serves as an excellent cushion against clenching forces and has received positive reviews for alleviating lower jaw muscle pain.

Positive Insights About Chomper Labs

The first impression of using this guard for my Chomper Labs night guard review is the undeniable comfort and fit. The custom impression process, done conveniently at home, ensures this snug fit. Adding to the user’s peace of mind is the full six-month warranty, replacing any guard that breaks or grinds through within that period.

Negative Insights About Chomper Labs

While Chomper Labs scores high on most fronts, it’s worth noting that some people find the night guard a bit bulky, especially at first.

#4 Brux

The Brux night guard offers an innovative approach to protecting teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep. With a smaller design compared to traditional night guards, it focuses on comfort while ensuring affordability at just $59. The guard is also customizable, allowing users to mold it at home for a secure fit. Its universal design means it can fit either the top or bottom teeth, specifically targeting bruxism.

Positive Insights About Brux Night Guard

My experience with Brux Night Guard was largely positive. Its smaller size was immediately noticeable and made sleeping far more comfortable than with traditional night guards. The affordability at $59 makes it a steal.

Negative Insights About Brux Night Guard

The guard has limitations when it comes to compatibility with certain dental devices. Specifically, it should not be used if you have missing front teeth or wear other types of dental devices like braces, caps, or veneers.

 

#5 Sentinel Mouthguards

Sentinel Mouthguards uses only high-quality materials safe for oral use and are void of any harmful chemicals. The affordability of these guards makes them a compelling alternative to more expensive dentist-provided options. Recognized among consumers, Sentinel mouth guard device has one of the most professional customer service.

Positive Insights About Sentinel Mouthguards

Having used Sentinel Mouthguards myself, I can vouch for the comfort and high quality of the materials. The custom-fit design feels as if it were made just for me. Their customer service is exceptionally professional. They walked me through the entire process, from selecting the right guard to shipping and taking my own dental impression.

Negative Insights About Sentinel Mouthguards

One issue I encountered with Sentinel Mouthguards was the difficulty in navigating their website. It wasn’t the most user-friendly, and finding specific information proved challenging.

#6 Ampower Dental Lab

JS Dental Lab specializes in custom-fit night guards, ensuring a perfect fit for your mouth. Their Premium 3D night guard is unique as it requires impressions for both the upper and lower teeth, providing unparalleled protection. Moreover, they offer a free trial so you can test the product before committing.

Positive Insights About JS Dental Lab

After testing the Premium 3D night guard from JS Dental Lab, I can confirm its effectiveness in countering teeth grinding. The custom fit felt like a tailored suit for my teeth. They provide a DIY impression video that guided me in taking my teeth impressions, which was both convenient and cost-effective.

Negative Insights About JS Dental Lab

A hurdle to consider with JS Dental Lab is that their free trial requires impressions for both the upper and lower teeth, which some may find complicated to perform at home.

#7 Cheeky

Cheeky is a noteworthy option as this service offers custom night guards at a price point of $103, making quality dental protection more accessible. With an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 1,253 reviews, Cheeky’s easy three-step subscription process is worth considering.

Positive Insights About Cheeky

I had the opportunity to try Cheeky’s night guard, and it’s truly as convenient as they claim. One of the most notable benefits of Cheeky night guard is the impression kit they sent. It was easy to use and the final product fit my teeth comfortably. I was impressed by the multipurpose benefits. Within a week, I noticed my teeth felt cleaner and my gums healthier.

Negative Insights About Cheeky

The main limitation of Cheeky is that they offer only one type of night guard (not counting sports guards). This one-size-fits-most approach may not cater to the specific needs of every individual.

#8 Teeth Night Guard

Teeth Night Guard takes a specialized approach to fighting bruxism. What sets them apart is their focus on customization. Customers can choose from different types of mouth guards to suit their specific needs.

Positive Insights About Teeth Night Guard

Upon trying the custom mouth guard from Teeth Night Guard on this website, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort and fit. The product indeed lived up to its promise of being abrasion-resistant. I’ve had issues with durability when it comes to night guards, but this one seems to be holding up well. Additionally, the guard contributed to a more restful night’s sleep, likely due to reduced tooth and jaw pain.

Negative Insights About Teeth Night Guard

A drawback to consider is that these mouth guards are not designed for long-term use. Thin plastic or gel components can break if not properly cared for, particularly in severe cases of bruxism.