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What is the best method for dealing with teeth grinding? Is a mouthguard useful at all?
It’s wise to look into this.
TAKE ACTION NOW.
Clenching and grinding your teeth can cause serious issues.
Teeth grinding can exert up to 300 kilograms of pressure on your teeth, causing enamel to wear down 20 to 40 times faster than normal.
Without protection, your teeth can severely erode in as little as two months, exposing the sensitive dentine.
In this photo, you can see the teeth of a severe teeth grinder, with significantly worn down teeth.
Shortened teeth are not only unattractive, but can also lead to pain, speech problems, and serious jaw joint disorders.
So, the question isn’t whether you need a mouthguard, but which one is both effective and safe for you.
Shouldn’t I just visit the dentist?
A custom-made mouthguard from the dentist provides excellent protection against teeth grinding, but I understand that most people DON’T take that step.
A dentist-made mouthguard can cost between £250 and £500 and take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive.
No wonder you might search for a quicker and cheaper solution, like a self-moulded mouthguard.
But beware. Not all self-moulded mouthguards offer the same level of protection..
RESEARCH THE PRODUCT.
Some mouthguards can be unsafe and, in rare cases, even cause an open bite. Source
In the video below, you can see how an ill-fitting mouthguard can lead to an open bite.
If a mouthguard does NOT touch the back molars, they can grow closer together, preventing you from closing your mouth.
Whatever mouthguard you choose, always check its origin and label to ensure it’s safe.
I emphasise this. Your health matters.
There are other risks to consider as well.
You’ll wear your mouthguard for more than 7 hours a night, so make sure you’re not exposed to harmful chemicals.
Some mouthguards can contain nanoparticles, BPA, phthalates, PFAS, or PVC, which can enter your body and accumulate because your body cannot naturally break them down.
The 5 Biggest Risks of a Mouthguard
First, read about these 5 biggest mistakes. That way you immediately know how to distinguish the good mouthguards from the not-so-good ones.
The mouthguard lacks the CE mark. The CE mark guarantees that a mouthguard meets stringent European health and safety standards. Many mouthguards on large online marketplaces – often bulk purchased via Asian platforms for as little as 5 cents each and resold for €20 to €60 – lack this essential certification.
The mouthguard doesn't allow saliva and oxygen to pass through. Most dental guards have no drainage holes, yet these are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth. Micro-holes ensure that saliva and oxygen can circulate freely, helping to reduce the risk of cavities. Tip: The SOVA® 3D Aero mouthguard has innovative notches that enhance saliva and oxygen flow, providing optimal protection for your teeth.
The mouthguard contains plasticisers or phthalates. Make sure your mouthguard is free from BPA, PFAS, PVC, phthalates, and latex, which are often found in cheap versions. Since you'll wear a mouthguard for about 7 hours a night and occasionally bite pieces off, you want to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. The SOVA® 3D Aero, which we have tested at the Polymer Science Park in the Netherlands, contains no harmful substances.
The biting surfaces are too soft. Most teeth grinding guards are made from soft EVA plastic. This material can break down quickly, and soft mouthguards may also stimulate your chewing reflex, worsening the grinding. Additionally, you might risk swallowing tiny plastic particles while you sleep.
The biting surfaces are too thick. Many dental guards are quite thick to prevent damage from grinding. The downside is that they force your jaw into an unnatural position, which can lead to severe cramping.
The Top 5 Best Proven Mouthguards Against Teeth Grinding
Fortunately, I was also able to find manufacturers who do get it.
Below you will find 5 safe teeth grinding mouthguards, of which I consider the SOVA® manufacturer the best.
Number 1 = SOVA® 3D Nightguard (2 mm) = BEST CHOICE
The SOVA® 3D Nightguard is by far the best mouthguard to protect your teeth against grinding. Its special design dissipates the forces, stopping you from grinding and preventing jaw pain and headaches in the morning.
No risk of an open bite, no harmful chemicals in your mouth. Just top-quality protection.
The American high-tech company Akervall Technologies, the brains behind SOVA®, has won the prestigious Dental Advisor Award for multiple years in a row in the category of Therapeutic Devices.
The SOVA® 3D Aero is the world’s only mouthguard that is ultra-thin, extremely strong, and perfectly mouldable to your teeth. It stays securely in place, allowing you to talk and drink with ease.
An independent study from the University of Michigan shows that the SOVA® protects your teeth just as well as a custom-made dentist mouthguard, but is more comfortable to wear.
The SOVA® Nightguard was designed by Swedish doctor Jan Akervall and stands out from other mouthguards thanks to the advanced Diffusix™ Technology:
2 Benefits of Diffusix™ Technology
Perfect fit & pressure distribution – The micro-holes allow the mouthguard to softly suction onto your teeth for a snug fit. At the same time, they distribute the forces to the crumple zones, reducing grinding and pain, giving you a better night’s sleep.
Healthier teeth – The perforations ensure your teeth stay in contact with saliva and oxygen. Many other mouthguards seal your teeth off, increasing the risk of cavities.
SOVA® guarantees safety. CE certified, completely free from harmful substances like EVA, BPA, Latex, PFAS, PVC and PHTHALATE, and carefully produced in the USA. No risk of inhaling or swallowing toxic chemicals.
We’ve requested the official safety certificate and conducted tests at the Polymer Science Park so you can be 100% certain you’re wearing a safe mouthguard.
Even though SOVA® delivers on its promises, the manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee for up to 3 months if you’re not satisfied.
#2: Dentek® Maximum Protection Professional Fit
Dentek's mouthguard ranks second. The Dentek Professional Fit Dental Guard is one of the best-selling mouthguards, and has been on the market for much longer than SOVA®.
Dentek Professional Fit has both pros and cons.
The big advantage is that Dentek is made from two layers: a soft layer
to bite into and a harder layer for where the molars meet.
This ensures a comfortable fit, comparable to a professional dentist-made mouthguard.
However, because Dentek is 20% EVA and much thicker, it doesn’t quite compare to the SOVA® favourite.
EVA is flexible and safe but wears out quickly. Due to the two layers, Dentek’s layers often peel apart, meaning you’ll need to replace it more often than non-EVA mouthguards.
#3: SOVA® Aero Nightguard (1.6 mm flat)
SOVA® also offers a flatter version in addition to the popular 3D Nightguard: the SOVA® Aero 1.6 mm.
Unlike the 3D version, this one isn’t pre-moulded, meaning it’s a little trickier to fit.
However, the advantage is that with a thickness of only 1.6 mm, it feels less intrusive in the mouth than the 2.0 mm model.
The SOVA® Aero (1.6 mm) is ideal if you're looking for a thin, minimalist mouthguard and don’t grind excessively.
The SOVA® 3D Nightguard, on the other hand, is perfect for a better fit, quicker adjustment, and extra protection, especially if you grind heavily.
#4: SOVA® Max Nightguard (2.4 mm flat)
The SOVA® Aero Max provides all the benefits of the SOVA® Aero 3D but with a thickness of 2.4 mm.
This makes it more durable and better suited to heavy grinding.
However, it might feel too thick for some, making it less comfortable.
Unlike the SOVA® 3D (2 mm), the number one on our list, the Aero Max isn’t partially pre-moulded, which can make it harder to get the right fit.
These features push it lower on the list.
#5: The Doctor’s Mouthguard
The Doctor’s Nightguard is a good option if you're looking for an affordable, proven solution to teeth grinding, but it doesn’t quite match the SOVA® Aero Nightguard.
It’s a decent mouthguard for beginners or occasional use, but if you want a comfortable, durable, and better-fitting solution, the SOVA® Aero is the superior choice.
Especially if you plan on wearing it for extended periods or prefer a thin, unobtrusive design, SOVA® stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you're dealing with teeth grinding, it’s crucial to wear a mouthguard as soon as possible. Bruxism has a devastating effect on your teeth.
Whatever mouthguard you choose, make sure it's safe, as described in this article.
Don't be misled by flashy packaging or a cheap price.
SOVA® mouthguards (1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.4 mm) meet all requirements and offer great value for money.
Given the manufacturer’s 100% money-back guarantee, SOVA® is the best choice in our opinion.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to enamel wear, cracks in your teeth, sensitivity, and even jaw pain. A mouthguard like the SOVA® Nightguard absorbs pressure and prevents damage to your teeth.
Yes, if you choose a high-quality mouthguard like the SOVA® Nightguard. SOVA® is designed for home use and can be safely moulded with warm water, no dentist required.
If your mouthguard doesn’t fit well, most models offer little
room for adjustment. However, the SOVA® Nightguard is reusable, so you can heat and mould it again until it fits perfectly.
Always store your mouthguard in a ventilated box to prevent mould and bacteria. Avoid extreme heat as it can deform some materials.
Yes, a mouthguard like the SOVA® Nightguard helps with jaw clenching by evenly distributing pressure across your teeth, reducing muscle tension in the jaw.
Definitely. The SOVA® Nightguard is designed for home fitting using just warm water and your fingers. This provides an affordable and effective solution without needing an expensive dental appointment.
With cheap or poorly fitting mouthguards, you may experience discomfort, poor breathing, or misalignment. The SOVA® Nightguard avoids these issues, as it can be re-moulded multiple times for a perfect fit.
With the SOVA® Nightguard it takes just 2 to 3 minutes to mould the mouthguard. Other models may take longer or require a trip to the dentist.
The SOVA® Nightguard is unique in that you can re-mould it by reheating it. This ensures a precise and comfortable fit.
Use lukewarm water and mild soap or a special mouthguard cleaner. Avoid hot water as it can deform some materials. The SOVA® Nightguard is antibacterial and easy to clean.
On average, a mouthguard lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on how intensely you grind your teeth. The durable material of the SOVA® Nightguard often lasts longer than traditional models.
Yes, as long as you choose a high-quality and reusable model like the SOVA® Nightguard. It offers the same protection as a custom-made dentist mouthguard, but at a fraction of the cost.
With the SOVA® Nightguard it’s easy:
Heat the mouthguard in hot water until it becomes flexible.
Place it in your mouth and gently bite down, adjusting the fit with your fingers.
Cool it in cold water to maintain the shape.
Repeat if necessary – SOVA® can be re-moulded multiple times.
Disclaimer
You should not consider the information on this website as a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or need medical guidance, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. If your jaws are painful, you are experiencing headaches, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, please contact your doctor immediately.