Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is a dental appliance that covers your teeth. Dentists recommend different kinds for sports, for grinding and clenching, and for some sleep breathing problems. A guard made from your own impressions usually fits better than a store-bought one. Your dentist helps you pick the type that matches your risk.

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Three jobs, three types

Mouth guards protect against sports injuries, wear from grinding, and some sleep breathing problems. One guard does not do all three.

Fit matters most

A guard that does not fit well can cause sore teeth, gums or jaw. Your dentist can check and adjust it.

Custom guards use your impressions

A lab makes a custom guard from impressions or a scan of your teeth.

Bring it to checkups

Your dentist can check the fit and wear, and clean it.

Nightguards prevent damage to the teeth. This is especially important for patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep. This is called bruxism, a movement-related disorder in which you frequently gnash, grind, or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism you may unconsciously clench your teeth when awake, or clench and grind your teeth during sleep (sleep bruxism). In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. Those who suffer from severe and frequent bruxism can develop jaw disorders, tooth damage, and other issues.

Mouthguards can vary in quality, proportion, and material depending on their purpose. If you suffer from bruxism, it is important that the issue is treated correctly. Using the wrong type of mouthguard can make symptoms worse. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Town Center Dental. We can assess your specific areas of risk and recommend what type of mouthguard is right for you.

Relation Between Sleep Bruxism and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There is often a correlation between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The relationship between sleep bruxism and OSA depends on the degree and severity of the OSA. Mild to moderate OSA is often associated with sleep bruxism. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, could be a new risk factor for sleep bruxism. Patients with certain medical conditions may be at an increased risk of developing OSA.

In short, sleep bruxism can be triggered by sleep apnea as the brain’s means of getting more oxygen during sleep. Studies show that wearing a night guard can potentially correct sleep apnea, and subsequently sleep bruxism. It is important to remember that home remedies to correct sleep apnea or bruxism, for example, buying an over-the-counter mouthguard, can be damaging in the long term potentially leading to misalignment of the teeth and jaw, and buildup of plaque.

Risks of not using a nightguard during sleep

Sleep bruxism, left untreated, can lead to permanent damage to the layers of the teeth, wearing them down and flattening them. In severe cases, tooth grinding can expose the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity to temperature, and severe tooth pain. Tooth grinding can also lead to cracked teeth, loss of teeth, and recession of the gums. Clenching during sleep can cause pain in the jaw. You may feel soreness in the temples or tightness in the jaw upon waking. Over time, clenching or extended tension in the jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder(TMJ). People who experience TMJ report symptoms of jaw pain, jaw popping, headaches, or face and neck pain.

Do you need a nightguard?

If you have concerns about bruxism for yourself or your child, visit us at Town Center Dental to consult with one of our dentists. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth, while awake or asleep, our dentist will be able to tell. The signs of wear from teeth clenching, gnashing, or grinding will be evident to the dentist during a dental exam. Our dentists, using information gathered from their assessment, will recommend the appropriate type of mouthguard for the risk areas related to your specific bruxism.

Call us today to schedule a consultation: 636-273-5866.

Mouth guard types and what they are for

Type	How it is made	Typical use	Good to know
Custom-made	Made for you from impressions or a scan	Sports, grinding and clenching	Usually more comfortable and costs more than store-bought.
Boil-and-bite	Softened in hot water, then shaped to your mouth at home	Sports when custom is not an option	Better fit than stock, and fit depends on you following the directions.
Stock	Pre-formed, worn as it comes	Sports when nothing else is available	Often bulky and may make breathing and talking harder.
Night guard	Usually custom-made	Grinding and clenching during sleep	Different from a sports guard. See our night guards page.
Sleep apnea device	Custom-made. Ask your doctor and your dentist first.	Snoring or sleep apnea	Store-bought guards are not appropriate for sleep apnea.

Which type of mouth guard do I need?

Start with the reason. Cleveland Clinic describes three main purposes: sports, grinding teeth, and snoring or sleep apnea. A guard for one purpose does not replace another.

If you play contact sports or activities with a fall risk, you need a sports guard. See our sports guard page. If your dentist sees wear from grinding or clenching, a night guard may help protect your teeth. See night guards. If you snore or wake tired, tell your dentist and your doctor. A sleep problem needs a medical check.

When you visit, your dentist checks your teeth, your bite and your habits, then recommends a type. That is why the first step is an exam, not a purchase. For more on how the types compare, read our sports mouthguards guide or the teeth grinding and TMJ guide.

Custom, boil-and-bite or stock: what is the difference?

The American Dental Association lists three kinds. A custom guard is made by your dentist for you. A boil-and-bite guard is softened in hot water and shaped by biting into it. A stock guard is pre-formed, worn as it comes, and often fits poorly.

Custom guards usually cost more because they are made for your teeth. Cleveland Clinic says store-bought guards are cheaper, but they are not as effective as custom-made guards against grinding or sports injuries. They also do not suit sleep apnea.

Cost matters, and so does using a guard at all. The ADA says that if a custom guard is not affordable, you should still wear a stock or boil-and-bite guard for sports. Ask the office about your options. Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate, and the insurance page explains what to bring. Our blog post on night guard vs mouth guard covers the difference between the two uses.

How do I take care of a mouth guard?

Simple habits keep a guard clean and working. Rinse it before and after each use, or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Clean it in cool, soapy water and rinse well. Never leave it in the sun or in hot water.

Store it in a sturdy, vented case so it can dry. Keep it where pets cannot reach it, because dogs like to chew them.

Replace a guard that is worn, damaged or ill fitting. Children and teens may need a new one more often because their mouths are still growing. Bring the guard to your checkup so your dentist can look at the fit and wear, and give it a thorough cleaning.

If the guard feels wrong, causes soreness or changes how your teeth meet, stop wearing it and call the office. A poorly fitting guard can cause problems of its own.

Questions about mouth guard

Read the guideTeeth Grinding and TMJ: Do I Grind My Teeth, and What Helps?

Are boil and bite mouthguards safe?

The American Dental Association says an athlete who cannot afford a custom guard should still wear a stock or boil-and-bite guard from the drugstore. Fit matters, so follow the directions on the package. A custom guard from your dentist usually fits and feels better.

Can one mouth guard work for sports and for sleep?

No. The American Dental Association explains that night guards are not the same as sports guards. A sports guard has extra cushioning that probably will not feel comfortable for sleep. Ask your dentist which type you need for each purpose.

How long does a mouth guard last?

It depends on how you use it, what it is made of, and how you care for it. Replace any guard that shows wear, damage or poor fit. Ask your dentist to check it at your regular visits and tell you when to replace it.

Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?

Often yes, and a properly fitted guard can matter more with braces. The American Dental Association says it helps protect the brackets and your cheeks and lips. Ask your dentist about the right type for your braces.

Will a mouth guard make it hard to talk or breathe?

A bulky guard can. The American Dental Association notes stock guards often fit poorly and can make breathing and talking harder. Cleveland Clinic says custom-made guards tend to be more comfortable. Your dentist can adjust a guard that feels wrong.

Should my child have a custom mouth guard?

If your child plays contact sports or grinds teeth, ask your dentist. Children's mouths are growing, so a guard may need replacing more often. Your dentist checks the fit at each visit and advises what suits your child.

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