Night guards and mouth guards guide

What mouth guards and night guards do

Cleveland Clinic says mouth guards protect teeth from injuries in sports and, for grinding (bruxism), protect teeth and may ease TMJ symptoms, usually worn at night. Healthline says they protect teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep and may also reduce snoring and help with mild obstructive sleep apnea. A night guard cushions the teeth and keeps the upper and lower teeth apart.

How does a mouth guard work for grinding?

A guard does not stop clenching. Cleveland Clinic's article on TMJ says a guard will not stop the clenching, but it can protect teeth, ease muscle strain and reduce stress on the jaw joints, and calls occlusal guards the first line of treatment for clenching and grinding. It describes a stabilization splint as a hard resin guard adjusted to support a healthy bite.

Types and how they fit

Cleveland Clinic, Healthline and ADA MouthHealthy list three types.

• Stock: worn as is from the box, inexpensive, usually uncomfortable, loose and bulky.
• Boil-and-bite: softened in hot water and shaped at home; they fit better than stock but can become brittle and weak with frequent use.
• Custom: made by a dentist from impressions, the most comfortable, best fitting and longest lasting, generally recommended for grinding, snoring or sleep apnea.

How should a night guard fit?

Cleveland Clinic says custom guards are made from dental impressions, can take up to two weeks to be made by a dental lab, and that poorly fitting guards can cause soreness in the teeth, gums or jaw, and that a dentist can check and adjust any guard. Its TMJ article says a poor fit can worsen pain, and that if the bite is not balanced a guard may make things worse. Self-fitted guards are said to work less well for keeping the bite aligned. Ask your dentist to check a new guard and bring it to checkups.

What does a TMJ splint look like?

The sources we read describe a stabilization splint as a hard resin guard adjusted to support a healthy bite, but do not describe its appearance in more detail. A dentist can show you the options for your mouth. NIDCR notes that night guards or splints are used for TMDs, but that they do not change the bite and the evidence for pain relief is limited.

Is sleeping with a mouth guard dangerous?

The sources we read do not describe it as dangerous. Cleveland Clinic says for grinding, snoring or sleep apnea you will likely need to wear it every night, and lists the main drawback as an adjustment period, with soreness if the fit is poor. Healthline says stock and boil-and-bite guards can be uncomfortable and hard to sleep in. If you have trouble breathing at night or think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor, because stock and boil-and-bite guards will not help with breathing.

How to boil a mouth guard

Healthline says to boil the guard until it softens, place it over your front teeth and bite down, but gives no specific times or temperatures and advises following the manufacturer's instructions. ADA MouthHealthy says to follow the manufacturer's directions and notes that certain boil-and-bite products have earned its Seal of Acceptance.

Care and replacement

Clean and store your guard as our guide on how to clean a mouth guard explains, and replace it when it is worn, cracked or loose. Cleveland Clinic says a custom guard can last several years and store-bought guards may need replacing a few times a year.

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions