If you suffer from jaw or neck soreness, you could have bruxism, the involuntary clenching of the jaw, and grinding of teeth during sleep. If you’re one of the millions looking to end this pain, read on to discover where to find the best night guards and what you can do to alleviate discomfort. 

Mouthguards Are Partial Treatment 

The traditional approach to addressing bruxism is using a mouthguard, a soft mold that creates a barrier between the teeth to prevent grinding. However, recent findings have suggested that mouthguards are not always effective by themselves; individuals often need a multifaceted approach.  

Best Guards For Teeth

The best night guards are designed to fit your natural bite. Until you receive a personalized night guard for teeth, consider over-the-counter guards. While temporary guards can contribute to bruxism, they still protect against dental decay. Visit site teethnightguard.com for custom-made mouthguards. 

Finding OTC Mouthguards 

Here are some recommendations for the best OTC mouthguards: 

  • If you go with over-the-counter mouthguards, choose options that offer maximum personalization. The closer your guard’s alignment is to your natural bite, the less tension you’ll experience using the night guard for teeth. 
  • Select mouthguards that are slim and provide a strong bite for comfort and protection. We recommend Neomen Professional Dental Guard and Dentek Professional-Fit Dental Guard for these reasons. You can find the latter at your local pharmacy and the former online. 

Avoid Excess Stress

It is now understood that stress-reduction activities negate bruxism. Rather than using a night guard for teeth, alternative treatments, including Botox injections, bite plates, and physical exercises may reduce tension in the neck, jaw, and head. Meditation may also reduce bruxism. 

Avoid using a bulky night guard for teeth, as these are difficult to tolerate and can cause aching. Go with boil-and-bite night guards for teeth to get the most comfort and protection out of your mouthguard.

Your Lifestyle Habits 

Make lifestyle changes in addition to getting a night guard for teeth. Stress plays a significant role in how frequently clenching and grinding occur during sleep. In fact, clenching and grinding can occur in response to stress whether you are sleeping or awake. 

Here are some ways to reduce stress and relieve your bruxism: 

  • By integrating meditation and stress-reducing techniques, we can reduce the overall amount of stress we feel, reducing the bruxism symptoms we experience.
  • Refraining from caffeine before bedtime can also reduce symptoms. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make some people anxious. If you are trying to sleep with anxious jitters, you’re more likely to clench and lock your jaw. Switch to an herbal tea before bed.
  • Research shows that adults who use tobacco or alcohol, particularly at night, have a higher risk of developing bruxism. These substances interrupt the natural sleep cycle, triggering grinding and clenching. 

The Big Idea 

See night guards as one aspect of a larger treatment plan. Change up your lifestyle habits to reduce stress, and you might very well see a reduction in your jaw, teeth, and neck pain!