Top Ranked Mouthguards for Bruxism in 2024
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A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Night Guards for Taming Nighttime Teeth Grinding
If you've ever woken up with a sore jaw and gritted teeth, you're not alone. The relentless action of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a pain in the, well, jaw. But fear not! We've rounded up eight fantastic night guards that can put a stop to this pesky habit. Let's swoop in and scrutinize the top picks.
What's a Night Guard, Anyway?
A night guard, or mouth guard, is a dental marvel designed to safeguard your pearly whites from damage caused by grinding or participating in sporting activities. It can even help alleviate snoring problems. Various types exist, catering to both young and old, and both upper and lower teeth.
Ditch the Jaw Ache: Why You'll Love Night Guards
Night guards offer numerous benefits, not just for your dental health but for your overall well-being too. Take a gander at some of the cool reasons you'll adore 'em:
Put an End to Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition marked by the compulsive grinding or clenching of teeth, even during sleep [1]. Regardless of age, wearing a night guard can provide a cushion between your teeth and ward off the hair-pulling frustration of grinding. In turn, this helps prevent long-term consequences like tooth enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches or facial discomfort.
So Long, Sleep Apnea!
Did you know that 10-30% of adults battle sleep apnea [2]? This condition occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, leading to gasps, snoring, or other disruptions. Night guards can help reposition your lower jaw ever so slightly during slumber, boosting airflow and relieving apnea symptoms.
Cheer Up, Braces Warriors!
For those bravely rocking braces, night guards can be your secret weapon. They shield not only your teeth but also the sensitive soft tissues from braces-related pressure, providing relief and preventing damage during therapy.
Types of Night Guards: Shades of Protection
For every individual, needs vary. Thus, a range of night guards is available in the market, catering to diverse tastes and requirements. Below are the three primary types to explore:
1. Boil-and-Bite
This type of mouth guard can be molded to your teeth's shape when it's softened. It works by being placed in hot water until soft, then inserted in your mouth, where you mold it using your fingers and teeth pressure.
2. Stock
A stock or generic fit mouthguard comes pre-formed and is a breeze to wear. It usually comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, to accommodate different mouth sizes. Generally speaking, stock mouth guards are quite affordable and easy to find at drugstores or sporting goods stores.
3. Custom Fit
A custom mouth guard is tailor-made for you by a dentist based on your teeth's structure and mouth. While they tend to be pricier due to the additional time needed for molding and the use of special materials, custom-fit mouth guards offer superb comfort and protection. They are worth the investment, especially if you're a heavy grinder!
I Spy Features to Look For
When shopping for a night guard, keep an eye out for these important features to ensure you pick a mouth-watering choice:
- Fit: Ensure the guard fits snugly and comfortably for either upper or lower teeth.
- Grinding Severity: Take your grinding or clenching habits into account when selecting a guard. Opt for a thinner guard for light grinding and a thicker one for more severe habitual grinding.
- Durability: Choose materials that can withstand nightly wear and tear, to avoid frequent replacements. Aim for long-lasting durability.
- Comfort: Comfort is key, as you'll be sleeping with the guard. Opt for guards made from soft, flexible materials or custom-fitted options to ensure a blissful night's sleep.
Time to Shop: Our Top 8 Night Guard Picks
Now that we've covered the basics, prepare to feast your eyes on the eight stellar night guards that'll save your teeth (and your sanity) from the misery of grinding. Grab a cuppa and get ready for a dreamy escapade through these wondrous options!
1. Pro Teeth Guard
[Best Overall and Best Custom-Fitted Option]Want a luxurious, custom-fitted option that'll pamper your pearly whites? Pat yourselves on the back; the Pro Teeth Guard is here to help. With a refined design and high-quality acrylic and vinyl materials, you can't go wrong. Better yet, it's HSA/FSA eligible.
2. Brux Night Guard
[Best Value for Money]Dirty dough on the dental work? The budget-conscious Brux Night Guard will have your back, without breaking it. This boil-and-bite mouthguard is crafted with food-grade materials, ensuring a perfect fit.
3. Sentinel Mouth Guard
[Best for Light Grinding]For those with lighter grinding habits, look no further than the Sentinel Mouth Guard. Its careful impression kit, coupled with laser-etched precision technology, ensures a flawless fit.
4. Chomper Labs Night Guard
[Best for Moderate to Severe Grinding]Blessed with a stronger chewing habit? Fret not, for the Chomper Labs Night Guard has got your back. Its four models—Soft, Hybrid, Hard, and Retainer—offer a range of protective options to accommodate both moderate and severe grinding.
5. Shock Doctor Braces Mouth Guard
[Best for Braces]Life's hard enough with braces, but the Shock Doctor Braces Mouth Guard adds a dash of comfort to that equation. Unique to this guard is its no-boil feature and utilization of 100% silicone materials, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience while under orthodontic care.
6. DenTek Comfort-Fit Dental Guard
[Best No-Boil]Heavy on convenience, the DenTek Comfort-Fit Dental Guard is a no-brainer, thanks to its five-point adjustment system and user-friendly molding kit. Tailored for lower teeth, this guard promises durability, comfort, and ease of use.
7. Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard
[No Frills Affordable Solution]You'll find this nifty, affordable solution waiting for you at your neighborhood pharmacy or on Amazon. Its microwave-moldable technology and minty flavor make it a pleasant, no-frills choice for light to moderate teeth grinding.
8. Plackers Grind No More Mouth Guard
[Best Disposable and Ready-to-Use Option]Feeling a wee bitgreen when it comes to brushing up on maintenance? The Plackers Grind No More Mouth Guard is the guard for you. Its disposable and ready-to-use design eliminates the need for boiling, cutting, or molding, making it easy-peasy for even the laziest grinders out there.
Wrapping Up (Sweet-Sleepy Time Awaits!)
Armed with all this knowledge, you're now a night guard connoisseur ready to conquer the world (or, at least, your nighttime teeth grinding troubles)! From custom-fitted guards tailored for comfort and protection to more affordable options that get the job done, there's a night guard for every requirement. So, go forth and experience the sweet, sweet dream of a grinding-free night!
- Science reveals that teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular health issues.
- In addition to dental health, sleep apnea, a medical condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can also be improved with night guards.
- Research indicates that managing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can benefit from therapies and treatments, including sleep hygiene and stress management strategies.
- A healthy lifestyle involving nutrition, weight management, and fitness and exercise can contribute to better digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin care.
- CBD, a natural compound derived from the Cannabis plant, has been studied for its potential role in managing anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep disorders.
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can impact one's overall health-and-wellness and quality of life, necessitating proper treatments and management.
- Sports enthusiasts should incorporate protective measures like mouth guards to safeguard their teeth from injuries, as well as maintain their cardiovascular and respiratory health during physical activities.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, require management of their symptoms to prevent worsening of the condition and potential complications.
- Proactive workplace-wellness programs focusing on factors like mental health, fitness, and nutrition can boost productivity and morale among employees.
- Regular dental check-ups and follow-ups with healthcare providers can help diagnose and manage various medical conditions early, including hidden problems like sleep apnea.
- Maintaining a healthful lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.
- Prioritizing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental health practices can also contribute to preventing skin conditions, improving eye health, and maintaining hearing abilities.
