10 Best Night Guards For Teeth Grinding (2024) – Buying Guide

The unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth that occur during the day due to stress or at night is called bruxism. It may cause symptoms such as tension headaches, gum recession, local muscular pain, and loose teeth. Using the best night guards for teeth grinding after a dentist’s consultation can prevent these symptoms wonderfully. So, with the help of thorough research, we have put together a list of the 10 most impactful night guards for teeth grinding in this article, so you do not have to struggle to choose the suitable one for yourself. We have also incorporated everything you need to know about bruxism. Dr. Farayi (Shakespeare) Moyana, a dentist with 18 years of experience says, “In my professional opinion if you have the time and resources the best would be a customised laboratory fabricated mouthguard.” Now without any further delay, go ahead and give this piece a read to improve dental care and know about mouthguards for bruxism.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity marked by excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching. The symptoms of bruxism are easily identifiable, and so are its complications. Though not life-threatening, bruxism can lead to painful symptoms. The effects of teeth grinding on oral health include acute headaches, chipped teeth, and jaw pain. Teeth grinding causes tooth enamel wear also.

Dental attrition is a type of tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact and can be a manifestation of bruxism. Occasional bruxism is common and does not usually cause harm, but when nighttime teeth grinding happens regularly, it can damage your teeth and lead to other oral health complications. Conditions like poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation have also been linked to bruxism.

No cure exists for this condition. But bruxism can be treated by your dentist with dental equipment known as an occlusal splint or mouthguard. The specialized mouthguards reduce grinding and teeth clenching during the night.

Bruxism is of different types. We will explore that in the next section.

Types Of Bruxism

There are three different types of bruxism, and each may require a different approach to treatment.

• Sleep Bruxism: Nocturnal bruxism occurs while a person is asleep. Sleep-related bruxism is a common phenomenon, and according to a survey, 8% of adults grind their teeth at night (1). Also, more than a third of the parents report symptoms of bruxism in their children. You may not even be aware of it, but the grinding sounds during sleep can wake up the person sleeping with you. Recent studies have linked nocturnal bruxism to sleep apnea (2).

• Daytime Bruxism: While uncommon, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth subconsciously while you’re awake. This shows stress and teeth grinding are also related to each other. Diurnal bruxism is mostly related to stress. It is common in high-stress professions, including law enforcement and IT (3).

• Children’s Bruxism: It is estimated that nearly 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth (4). This usually happens when their permanent teeth start erupting, and this habit usually stops after their adult teeth are fully formed. But, if the habit continues, then it’s better to consult a dentist.

As we discussed, bruxism can be treated. Mouthguards or oral appliances for teeth grinding can help in this regard. In the following section, we have listed the top 10 night guards available on the market for teeth-grinding treatment.

10 Best Night Guards – 2024

1. Best Fda Approved:J&S Dental Lab Custom Dental Night Guard

4.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $129

J&S Dental Lab Custom Dental Night Guard is dentist-approved and fully customizable. You can choose a soft, semi-hard, or all-hard night guard. The thickness of the guard ranges from 0.06” to 0.16″. This night guard can last up to 5 years, depending upon the use and the teeth grinding habit and severity.

You need to mail your dental impression back to the company, where the skilled technicians will set to work to create your customized night guard. For giving your dental impression, you need to follow a 5-minute DIY teeth impression process. This guard provides a superior fit and is durable when compared to other OTC boil guards. This product is FDA approved and is made of BPA-free and latex-free material. It also comes with a one-year free replacement policy.

Pros

• Approved by dentists
• FDA approved
• BPA-free and Latex-free
• Durable
• Customized night guard

Cons

• None

2. Best Multipurpose:The ConfiDental – Pack of 5 Moldable Mouth Guard For Teeth Grinding Clenching Bruxism

3.8

Image: The Confidental

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.95

This high quality professional moldable mouthguard is an excellent dental appliance. It is made of thermoplastic premium medical grade material that is BPA-free and phthalate-free. The moldable material custom fits to accommodate any mouth size. This mouthguard is easy to clean and is reusable.

The ConfiDental mouthguard is a perfect solution for teeth grinders and people with bruxism. It can also be used as a teeth whitening tray and sports mouthguard. Each pack includes a total of 5 mouthguards: 3 for regular protection, and 2 heavy-duty mouthguards. Here’s a personal review video detailing a tester’s experience with the product to help you get a better understanding of the same.

Pros

• Made of soft thermoplastic
• BPA-free and phthalate-free material
• Suitable for all ages
• Easy to clean and reusable
• Custom fits to accommodate any mouth size
• Multipurpose

Cons

• Bulky

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 43,241 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

3. Best Customizable:LORIOUS Mouthguard

3.9

Image: Lorious

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.99

LORIOUS mouthguard is moldable and can be worn on the upper or lower teeth. The teeth grinding guard is an excellent pick for kids, youth, and adults with bruxism. This mouthguard can also be used for teeth protection by athletes. It can also be used as a teeth whitening tray. It is made of BPA-free and phthalate-free premium grade material. This mouthguard is trimmable to fit any mouth size.

Each kit of LORIOUS mouthguard contains four customizable and trimmable mouthguards of 3 mm thickness, one travel hygiene case, and a step-by-step instruction book for the molding and fitting process. You can easily mold and customize the guard right at your home by putting it in boiling water.

Pros

• Multipurpose
• loose tooth
• Customizable
• BPA-free
• Phthalate-free
• Premium-grade material
• Heavy-duty protection
• Comfortable and safe

Cons

• Bulky

4. Best Bpa-Free:NEOMEN Health Professional Dental Guard

4

Image: Neomen

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.79

This custom-molded anti-teeth grinding mouthguard is a simple and effective solution for bruxism. NEOMEN Health is trimmable to fit any mouth size and can be molded to fit a wide variety of teeth alignments, tooth sizes, and mouth shapes. This mouthguard prioritizes user experience by offering a comfortable fit and effective protection from teeth grinding. This moldable dental mouthguard is made of high-quality BPA-free and phthalate-free material.

Each pack contains four mouthguards in two different sizes that are fit for adults and kids and comes with an antibacterial case. It is a highly versatile mouthguard that can be used as an anti-teeth grinding mouthpiece, an athletic mouthguard, and a teeth whitening tray. This product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure risk-free shopping. It is a perfect choice for people with bruxism as it eliminates grinding and improves sleep. If you wish to learn more, you can check out an online review video detailing a reviewer’s experience with the product.

Pros

• Trimmable to fit any mouth size
• BPA-free
• Phthalate-free
• Antibacterial case
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 4 mouthguards in 2 different sizes
• Multipurpose

Cons

• Not durable

Pro Tip

If you are a beginner, it might take you a while to get used to wearing a night guard. You can start by wearing it for 20-30 minutes a day, until you get used to it.

5. Best Dentist-Designed:SWEETGUARDS – Custom Dental Night Guard

4.7

Image: Sweetguard

BUY ON AMAZON | $108

For people who prefer wearing only one guard, SWEETGUARDS – Custom Dental Night Guard is ideal. It comes in hardness and thickness variations according to your bruxism severity and tooth sensitivity. Dental healthcare professionals have designed it to ensure perfect fabricating, sterilizing, and examination. You can customize it as per the impression of your teeth for a long-lasting comfortable fit. Check out some online reviews before making a purchase if you are still unsure.

Pros

• 100% FDA-approved material
• Latex-free
• Premium quality
• BPA-free
• Acrylic-free

Cons

None

6. Best Custom Fit:DOCTOR SLEEP Dental Guard

3.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

This mouthguard is made of high-quality non-latex and BPA-free silicone material. It is moldable and easy to adjust to provide maximum comfort. This product is perfect for treating teeth grinding and bruxism and is sure to reduce your teeth wear. The dentist-approved comfortable design can be trimmed and customized to fit your teeth alignment and mouth shape.

This is a versatile product and can be used as a teeth whitening tray and sports mouthguard as well. This features a free antibacterial case that allows you to store your mouthguard hygienically while traveling and thus eliminates germs and infection.

Pros

• Dentist approved
• Custom-fit
• Easy to fit and remove
• Made of silicone non-latex material
• BPA-free
• Versatile use

Cons

• Size issues

7. Best Comfortable: DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard

3.8

Image: Dentek

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.75

DenTek Professional-Fit Dental Guard fits like a glove on your front and back teeth. The package contains a dental guard, a patented fitting tray with a handle, and an antimicrobial case for easy storage. It is designed to absorb top-to-bottom pressure to ensure a comfortable fit. The high-quality material provides a close-to-professional fit. This dental guard is great for nighttime use to fit on your upper teeth. Why not look at some reviews on Amazon before giving this a try?

Pros

• BPA-free
• Easy usage directions
• Long-lasting
• Value for money

Cons

• Forming can be a bit tricky

Caution

Avoid sleeping sideways, as the night guard may get dislocated due to excess pressure.

8. Best Stability Wings:SleepRight Dura-Comfort Dental Guard

4

Image: Sleepright

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.51

The SleepRight dental guard is durable. It prevents the teeth from grinding and clenching without the hassle of boiling water or microwaving to mold and fit. This product features dura-comfort bite pads that are more durable for severe teeth grinders and clenchers. The front band is anatomically designed to provide a more comfortable fit. It conforms to the mouth using body temperature.

This mouthguard automatically swivels to match the bite angle and adjusts to fit all sizes. It includes stability wings for extra safety and security. The bite-pads sit comfortably between the molars and are held in place by the soft tissue of the cheeks and the lower lip. Experience the real-life results of better sleep with this mouthguard. This guard does not contain BPA, silicone, latex, phthalates, or any other toxins. It is manufactured in an FDA inspected facility. Click here to check out this review detailing a tester’s experience with the product.

Pros

• No-boil dental guard
• Great fit
• Adjusts to fit all sizes
• Stability wings for extra comfort and security
• Free from BPA, silicone, latex, phthalates or any harmful toxins

Cons

• Bulky

9. Best Medical Grade Material:ASRL Dental Guards

3.9

Image: Asrl

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.79

ASRL Dental Guards are dentist-approved and offer a peaceful night’s sleep preventing grinding, clenching, and tapping teeth in sleep. This comfortable bendable mouth guard is made of Ethylene-vinyl acetate. They effectively minimize the discomfort caused by bruxism. You can also use this mouthguard as a teeth whitening tray and during sporting activities to protect against impacts. These dental guards come in two sizes but can be further customized to fit your teeth by trimming the edges. The guards have soft edges, a firm layer, and provide good airflow. In addition, they come with 2 mm thickness, not creating any discomfort.

Pros

• FDA approved
• BPA-free
• Medical-grade material
• Non-slip
• Flexible
• Phthalate-free

Cons

None

10. Best Anti-Bacterial:Reazeal Mouth Guard

4.2

Image: Reazeal

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.98

The Reazeal Mouth Guard offers a soft fit throughout the night and prevents teeth damage due to grinding in sleep. It features four guards that you will need to boil to create a customizable fit for your teeth. You can wear it comfortably by cutting a notch and creating the fit that works best for you. This long-lasting guard can be customized in just 10 minutes in a super easy way and can also be used as a teeth-whitening tray. Multiple reviewers recommend this mouthguard as it is easy to mold to the shape of your teeth and keeps you comfortable throughout the night.

Pros

• BPA-free
• Includes food-grade ethylene vinyl acetate
• Great fit
• Easy to use directions

Cons

• You may experience saliva collection or drooling in sleep

Choosing a nightguard should be a well-researched decision. An uncomfortable night guard can not only disturb your sleep but also hurt your mouth and gums. You can go for any type, but remember to check whether the products match your specifications or not. If you are in doubt, always check in with a healthcare specialist or your dentist before opting for any of the above products. The above list of the top 10 night guards has been prepared after a careful review of the products and their ratings. We hope the list will help you in your quest for the perfect night teeth guard.

In the following section, we discuss bruxism in detail.

Symptoms Of Bruxism

If you notice any of the following symptoms or signs, you may be experiencing bruxism:

• Loud grinding or tooth clenching at night, causing sounds loud enough that disturb your partner
• Rhythmic contraction of the jaw muscles
• Chronic headache
• Temporomandibular Joint Discomfort
• Facial myalgia
• Earache
• Tightness and stiffness of the shoulders
• Damaged teeth and broken dental fillings and injured gums
• Cuts and sores from biting the inner cheek

These are a few common symptoms of bruxism. Your dentist will check for the signs of bruxism during your routine dental check-up.

Causes Of Bruxism

Bruxism may be caused due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Bruxism usually stems from stress – nearly 70% of bruxism cases are related to anxiety and stress.

Adults with intense emotions or who are hyperactive or aggressive personalities are prone to bruxism. In the past, bruxism was linked to misaligned teeth and was treated sometimes with orthodontics. However, this has been disproven.

Recent studies have linked bruxism to sleep apnea. Though sleep disorders and teeth grinding have a connection, the reason behind bruxism is not always clear. Experts believe multiple factors may lead to bruxism. A few of those are listed below:

• Stress And Anxiety: It has been found out that nearly 70% of bruxism occurs because of stress and anxiety. Job-related stress is also one of the most significant factors associated with bruxism.

• Nervous System Abnormalities: Our central nervous system controls the neurotransmitters and mechanics that affect our sleep arousal episodes that occur with changes in sleep intensity. People with nervous system abnormalities are more prone to bruxism episodes, and these episodes typically occur during periods of sleep arousal.

• Age: Bruxism is common in children, while many adults also experience it. A majority of children recover from their symptoms before the age of 18.

• Genetic: Heredity also defines the occurrence of bruxism in people. A large number of people with bruxism have noticed the condition either in one of their parents or in one of their children. People with nocturnal bruxism are much likelier to have children with sleep bruxism.

• Psychoactive Substances: The use of psychoactive substances, like tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, etc., also increases the risk of bruxism as these substances increase arousal and lead to problems falling asleep, staying asleep, and daytime sleepiness.

Other mental and medical disorders associated with bruxism are:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Hyperactivity disorder
• Epilepsy

One of the most common teeth-grinding remedies include wearing a mouthguard. There are three different types of mouthguards available for people with night bruxism. You can choose the model according to your specifications and preferences.

Types Of Mouthguards For Sleep Bruxism

1. Custom Designed Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards are made in a dentist’s office or professional laboratories. These mouthguards are made with the dentist’s instructions that are prepared after taking the detailed impression of the patient’s mouth. A dentist-prescribed mouthguard requires a dental visit, but for custom designs, you need to send your dental impression to the company’s manufacturing unit. The custom made mouthguards are more expensive than the other types.

2. Boil And Bite Mouth Protectors

This mouthguard can be purchased from any sporting goods store. This over-the-counter mouthguard uses the same technology as athletic mouthpieces. It is made of thermoplastic material that softens in boiled water. Once softened, it is then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using the finger and tongue. This mouthguard is not as sophisticated as the custom models but is way cheaper.

3. Stock

Stock mouth protectors can be bought at most sporting good stores and departmental stores and are relatively inexpensive. These guards are bulky and come in one size, which cannot be customized. It is difficult to breathe or talk while wearing this mouthguard, and it provides very less protection.

Here’s a list of a few key factors that you need to bear in mind while shopping for a mouthguard.

Buying Guide

Look for the following features while buying a mouthguard:

• Material: When shopping for a mouthguard, ensure that it is BPA- and latex-free. Mouthguards usually consist of two layers: a softer layer made up of acrylic, and a rigid bottom layer made up of materials like laminate. The less costly models generally consist of one layer only.

• Ease Of Clean: A majority of the mouthguards require daily rinsing and storage in a sterilized container. However, cleaning some specialty models may be more expensive and time-consuming.

• Durability: Your mouthguard needs to be heavy-duty to withstand the pressure you apply while grinding your teeth. While normal chewing exerts only 20 to 40 pounds of force on your teeth, the clenching that occurs in bruxism can exert hundreds of pounds of force on your teeth. Hence, your mouthguard needs to be sturdy to be effective.

• Comfort: A night guard is used to do away with the problems and discomfort of teeth grinding. The guard should have a snug fit and be comfortable to wear. An ill-fitting mouthguard will add to your agony. Hence, comfort is one of the most defining factors.

• Fitting: It is best to get a piece that is molded to fit your teeth individually. Finding a night guard with such fit will be time-consuming and expensive, but the results will be worth the effort. To make it easier, try to find in-depth reviews of the mouthguard you choose to gain more insight.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Aditi Naskar, the author, has a diploma in health and wellness and is an expert in reviewing wellness-related products. She has done an extensive research to make a list of the best night guards for teeth grinding. The author has gone through many customer reviews and product details to ensure that the listed items are safe for use to create a list of the most effective ones. This list consists of effective and durable teeth guards that are worth buying after a proper doctor’s consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stop teeth grinding naturally?

Bruxism happens unconsciously and often while we are asleep. The best way to counter it is to use a nightguard. Nightguard will not stop you from grinding your teeth but protects your teeth from the wear and damage that happens due to grinding and clenching.

Can you wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes, you can wear a mouthguard with braces. It is imperative to protect your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue and also to protect your braces. An anti-grinding night guard can cover just the upper and lower teeth.

How much does a mouthguard cost?

An occlusal guard can cost you anywhere between $300 to $1000. You can buy it online for as low as $80. The boil-and-bite and stock models may cost as little as $20 or less.

How long does a mouthguard last?

Nightguards come with varying durability. A night guard’s lifespan is somewhere between 2-10 years (much lower for the softer versions). Careful maintenance of your night guard can prolong its life.

How should I clean my night guard?

A quick way to clean your night guard is by using cold water, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Apart from this drill, which should be done daily, it is recommended that you soak your night guard in a mix of water and a nightguard cleaner for a few hours. This should be done once a week.

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Dr. Farayi Shakespeare MoyanaPhD, BDS, MPH, MPhil, MBA, BEd

   

Dr. Farayi (Shakespeare) Moyana is a Zimbabwe-based dentist with 18 years of experience. He is the founder and director of the Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing, a board member of Sunshine Kids Musha Vana, a not-for-profit organization in Melbourne, Australia, and an advisor for the Domboshava MedClinic Maternity Hospital. Dr. Moyana has a bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from Sefako...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

 

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more

Rajeshwari DasAssociate Commerce Editor

Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta. Her unwavering passion for evaluating fitness and wellness products, whether it's workout gear or exercise machines, her discerning advice, and her enthusiastic guidance are guaranteed to elevate your...more