How to Make a Homemade Mouth Guard for Sleeping

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from bruxism, a condition that causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

While bruxism isn’t usually serious, it can damage your teeth and jaw, and it can also lead to other problems, such as headaches, earaches, and sleep apnea.

If you’re looking for a way to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism, a mouth guard is a good option. A mouth guard can help to cushion your teeth and prevent them from grinding together. It can also help to relax your jaw muscles and improve your sleep quality.

You can buy a custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist, but these can be expensive. Alternatively, you can DIY a more affordable remedy. Here’s how to make a homemade mouth guard for sleeping.

Who Needs a Mouth Guard for Sleeping?

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may need a mouth guard. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause pain and damage to your teeth, jaw, and other parts of your body.

A mouth guard can help protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism and improve your sleep quality.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a common condition that causes people to grind or clench their teeth, often without realizing it. It can happen during the day or at night, and it can range from mild to severe.

The word “bruxism” comes from the Greek word “brukhein,” which means “to gnash.” Bruxism is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including stress, anxiety, and sleep apnea.

There are two main types of bruxism:

• Occlusal bruxism: This type of bruxism occurs when you clench or grind your teeth together during the day. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, or clenching your teeth while you’re awake.
• Sleep bruxism: This type of bruxism occurs when you grind or clench your teeth together while you’re asleep. It’s often caused by stress, anxiety, or sleep apnea.

If you think you may have bruxism, it’s important to see a dentist. They can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options. Treatment for bruxism can include:

• Mouth guards: Mouth guards are worn over your teeth to protect them from damage. They can be custom-made by a dentist or purchased over the counter. Night guards often provide relief in the short term.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce stress or anxiety, which can trigger bruxism.
• Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help you learn to control the urge to grind or clench your teeth.

Who Is at Risk for Bruxism?

Anyone can develop bruxism, but it is more common in children and adults under the age of 30. It is also more common in people who:

• Are stressed or anxious
• Have a family history of bruxism
• Are taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or stimulants
• Have a jaw injury or misalignment
• Grind or clench their teeth during the day

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism?

The most common sign of bruxism is pain in your teeth, jaw, or temples. You may also wake up with a sore jaw or headache. Other signs and symptoms of bruxism include:

• Earaches
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder
• Loose teeth
• Tooth wear
• Tooth pain
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Worn enamel
• Gum recession
• Swollen or tender gums
• Muscle spasm
• Joint disorder

How Can a Mouth Guard Help?

A mouth guard can help protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.

This can help to prevent your teeth from grinding together and causing damage. Night guards can also help to relax your jaw muscles and improve your sleep quality.

What Type of Mouth Guard Is Right for Me?

There are two main types of mouth guards: custom-fitted and over-the-counter. Custom-fitted mouth guards are made by a dentist and are the most effective type of mouth guard.

Over-the-counter mouth guards are less expensive, but they may not fit as well as a custom-fitted mouth guard. Sports mouth guards are also available, but you need a night mouth guard.

How Do I Choose the Right Mouth Guard?

If you are considering using a mouth guard, you should talk to your dentist. They can help you determine which type of mouth guard is right for you and make sure that it fits properly. A custom mouth guard is always a better option, but it costs hundreds of dollars.

How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?

Daily cleaning with soap and water is often sufficient, with deep cleaning every other week. You may also want to purchase a mouth guard cleaner to help remove plaque and bacteria. These residues could cause bad breath and inflammation.

When Should I Replace My Mouth Guard?

You should replace your mouth guard every 6 months to 1 year, or sooner if it becomes damaged or loses its shape. This is essential for your oral health.

If you think you may have bruxism, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if you need a mouth guard and recommend the best type of mouth guard for you.

How to Make a Homemade Mouth Guard

Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? If so, you may be a candidate for a bite guard. A mouth guard can help protect your teeth and jaw from the damage caused by bruxism, a condition that causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

While you can buy a custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist, these can be expensive. A more affordable option is to make your own mouth guard at home. You can also use a mouthguard kit.

Here’s how to make a homemade mouth guard:

Materials

• Boil and bite mouth guard (available at most drugstores or online)
• Hot water
• Tongs
• Paper towel
• Sharp knife or scissors

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Carefully place the boil and bite mouth guard in the boiling water for 30 seconds.
3. Use tongs to remove the mouth guard from the boiling water and place it on a paper towel to cool for a few seconds.
4. While the mouth guard is still warm, place it in your mouth and bite down firmly.
5. Hold the mouth guard in place for about 30 seconds, or until it has molded to the shape of your teeth.
6. Remove the mouth guard from your mouth and inspect it for any sharp edges. If necessary, use a sharp knife or scissors to trim any excess material.
7. Your homemade mouth guard is now ready to use!

Additional Tips

• If you have a large overbite or underbite, you may need to purchase a larger boil and bite mouth guard.
• If you have any concerns about making your own mouth guard, you should consult with your dentist.

• If you have trouble getting the boil and bite mouth guard to fit properly, you can try molding it in hot water for a longer period of time.
• You can also try using a mouth guard liner, which is a thin sheet of material that can be placed inside the mouth guard to make it fit more snugly.
• If you have any pain or discomfort while using your homemade mouth guard, you should stop using it and consult with your dentist.

Tips for Maintaining a Homemade Mouth Guard

By following these tips, you can help to keep your homemade mouth guard in good condition and extend its lifespan.

• Clean your mouth guard regularly. You should clean your mouth guard daily with soap and water. You can also use a mouth guard cleaner to help remove plaque and bacteria.
• Rinse your mouth guard after each use. Even if you don’t wear your mouth guard for the whole night, it’s a good idea to rinse it with water after each use. Regular cleaning will help to remove any saliva or debris that may have accumulated on it.
• Store your mouth guard in a clean, dry place. When you’re not wearing your mouth guard, it’s important to store it in a clean, dry place. This will help to prevent it from becoming damaged or contaminated.
• Replace your mouth guard every 6 months to 1 year. Even if you take good care of your mouth guard, it’s important to replace it every 6 months to 1 year. This is because the material of the mouth guard can break down over time, and it may no longer fit properly.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your mouth guard. These can damage the material of the mouth guard and make it less effective.
• Don’t use your mouth guard as a chew toy. This can damage the material of the mouth guard and make it less effective.
• If your mouth guard becomes damaged, don’t use it. A damaged mouth guard can no longer protect your teeth and jaw from the damage caused by bruxism.

Conclusion

Bruxism is a common condition that affects up to 30% of adults. It’s more common in people who are stressed or anxious, but it can also be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or dietary factors.

Bruxism can cause a number of problems, including damage to teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and earaches. There are a number of treatments for bruxism, including mouth guards, medications, and behavioral therapy.

Making your own mouth guard is a simple and affordable way to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching at night. With a few simple steps, you can have a custom-made night guard that will help you get a good night’s sleep.