Grinding your teeth at night? Many people unknowingly grind their teeth. This condition—called bruxism—is more prevalent than most realize. Stress, caffeine, or even sleep disorders can trigger it. The signs? Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or noticing your teeth feel extra sensitive.
Over time, teeth grinding can lead to cracked enamel, worn-down teeth, and jaw pain. As a dentist, I often recommend over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards for patients whose needs are mild or temporary. These guards are affordable, accessible, and perfect for certain situations.
Moreover, the Plackers Mouth Guard for teeth grinding acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Out of five top-selling mouth guards, I ranked it #1 for its superior comfort and the strong endorsements from dentists and customers.
Our Top Picks
- Plackers Mouth Guard: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
- Reazeal Mouth Guard: Runner-Up (Shop Now) →
- Ohaleep Mouth Guard: Most Versatile (Shop Now) →
- Neomen Mouth Guard: Most Innovative (Shop Now) →
- DenTek Mouth Guard: Highest Selling (Shop Now) →
5 Best Mouth Guards of 2024
Plackers Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding
Best Overall
The long-term effects of teeth grinding aren’t just annoying—they’re damaging. Decayed teeth, fractures, loose teeth, and even jaw-related issues can result from nightly grinding. Over time, it may even change the shape of your face. Of course, you need a mouth guard that’s comfortable. And there’s a reason the Plackers Mouth Guard for teeth grinding sold 20,000+ boxes this month. For over 40 years, this brand has been a go-to for oral care, and it’s no surprise it’s ranked #1 in the Anti Grinding Teeth Protectors category.
What makes it so popular? The brand has perfected the art of the night guard. You don’t need to boil, microwave, cut, or mold it. Each guard naturally molds to the shape of your mouth, offering a snug fit without any prep. Its disposable design makes it easy to replace and ensures optimal hygiene. So, whether you’re battling mild clenching or heavy grinding, this best-selling guard is the first line of defense against bruxism. It’s designed for anyone 18 years or older who’s tired of the damage—and discomfort—of grinding teeth.
Why Dentists Trust It
- ✔ Over 20,000 boxes sold this month—trusted by so many
- ✔ 9,572.85 people gave it a 5-star rating
- ✔ Ultra comfortable, even for smaller mouths
- ✔ Perfect for mild clenching or heavy grinding relief
- ✔ Works for upper and lower teeth
- ✔ Trusted brand with over 40 years of expertise
- ✔ One box gives up to 48 nights of protection
Noteworthy
- ~ 16 mouth guards with up to 48 uses
Reazeal Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding
Runner-Up
As a dentist, I know some people prefer customization—it gives you a more tailored fit for better comfort. So, if you want a mouth guard that’s moldable, the Reazeal Mouth Guard for teeth grinding is my runner-up. It comes in a 4-pack for just $15.97. Unlike the best overall, which is pre-shaped and disposable, this mouth guard requires an easy, 10-minute molding process. Most importantly, the guard feels soft in the mouth and works well for both light and heavy grinders. As a bonus, it comes with a retainer case to keep things clean and hygienic.
Essentially, the best overall is all about convenience. You grab it, pop it in, and you’re good to go—no boiling, no molding, no fuss. The runner-up, on the other hand, takes a bit more effort, but you get a customized fit. It’s also reusable, while the best overall is disposable. In short, if you want easy and disposable, Plackers is the way to go. But if you’re looking for moldable mouth guards that you can wash and use again and again, this brand offers great value at an affordable price.
Why Dentists Trust It
- ✔ Over 10,000 sold this month
- ✔ 15,326.43 of people gave it a 5-star rating
- ✔ #4 in the Anti Grinding Teeth Protectors category
- ✔ Guard molds to your teeth in just ten minutes
- ✔ Soft material makes it comfortable for all-night wear
- ✔ Suitable for upper and lower teeth
- ✔ Comes with a storage case to keep it clean
Noteworthy
- ~ Reusable and moldable, unlike the disposable, pre-formed best overall
Ohaleep Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding
Most Versatile
The Ohaleep Mouth Guard for teeth grinding has a 4.7-star rating and 6,000+ people bought it this month. At $19.99 for a 4-pack, it stands out by including two sizes—large and small—in every box. The best overall is all about grab-and-go convenience with its disposable, pre-formed design, so it’s better for those who don’t want to spend time molding their guard.
When you stack this brand against the runner-up, it offers something extra… two size options right in the box. Of course, Reazeal (runner-up) is more well-known with a strong reputation in the oral care space, but this brand is quickly gaining traction as a reliable option. So, what’s the bottom line? You decide. If you want something reusable and moldable, with options for size and customization, Ohaleep has a 4.7-star rating while the runner-up has a 4.6-star rating.
Why Dentists Trust It
- ✔ Over 6,000 sold this month
- ✔ Includes four guards with both large and small sizes
- ✔ Molds to your teeth in just 15 seconds
- ✔ Can be trimmed for a truly custom fit
- ✔ Comes with a storage box for cleanliness and portability
- ✔ Made from BPA-free, food-grade EVA material
Noteworthy
- ~ Comes in two sizes (large and small) and requires molding for a custom fit
How to Choose a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding and Jaw Relief
7 Practical Reasons to Choose an OTC Mouth Guard
- Affordable: OTC guards cost much less than custom ones.
- Instant access: buy in-store or online, no waiting.
- Convenient: perfect for those who need a quick solution.
- More choices: different styles and sizes to suit your needs.
- Adjustable fit: boil-and-bite for a semi-custom feel.
- Great for temporary use: ideal while waiting for a custom guard.
- Low risk: easy to replace if it doesn’t work.
Need a Guard Now? Not Every Dental Issue Calls for a Big Investment.
Popular, over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards cost between $10 and $50, while custom guards from a dentist can run anywhere from $200 to $800 or more. While not as precise as a custom guard, an OTC option is a smart starting point if you’re on a budget or not quite ready to invest in something pricier. Custom guards require an office visit, impressions, and waiting time, but an OTC guard? OTC mouth guards are ready when you are—no appointments, no waiting.
It’s a low-commitment way to protect your teeth while you figure out if you even need something more advanced. Likewise, OTC mouth guards are a solid option if you’re looking for a temporary solution. Stress levels fluctuate, and so does grinding. OTC options are accessible, affordable, and can give you relief in the meantime.
5 Characteristics of a Quality Mouth Guard
As a former dentist who worked in both public and private practices and taught at a university for years, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating bruxism (teeth grinding) can be for patients. From a patient in their 20s dealing with fractured molars to a retiree who wore down their enamel to the point of needing crowns, the long-term effects are as varied as they are concerning. This is where choosing the right mouth guard for teeth grinding becomes critical.
Here are the key characteristics of a quality mouth guard, with insights from my own experience:
1. Comfortable Fit
A mouth guard should feel like it belongs in your mouth. Patients often abandon uncomfortable guards, worsening their grinding issues. The Plackers Mouth Guard for teeth grinding excels here with its no-boil, pre-shaped design that molds naturally. It’s perfect for patients who prioritize ease of use and comfort.
I once had a patient, Sarah, a teacher in her 30s, who lost her custom guard just before she needed to leave for a trip. Fortunately, we were able to order her an OTC guard for the two days she was away.
2. Durable Material
Grinding exerts immense pressure on your teeth, so the guard needs to withstand wear and tear. Soft yet durable materials strike the perfect balance—soft for comfort, yet tough enough to prevent grinding damage. The Reazeal Mouth Guard for teeth grinding, for example, uses moldable material that’s soft yet robust enough for heavy grinders.
3. Hygiene-Friendly Design
Mouth guards are in close contact with your teeth for hours, so hygiene is essential. Disposable options like Plackers offer optimal cleanliness with single-use guards, while reusable guards, like Reazeal, should come with a storage case to keep them clean.
4. Ease of Use
Not everyone has the patience for boiling, cutting, or molding a guard. For patients who want quick solutions, Plackers is ideal. It’s pre-formed, disposable, and requires no preparation. On the other hand, for those who want a more tailored fit, Reazeal’s 10-minute molding process is straightforward and worth the effort.
5. Customizable Options
Customization ensures a more precise fit, especially for people with unique dental structures. I remember a patient, Tom, who had braces and needed a guard that fit perfectly. A moldable guard like Reazeal offered him the flexibility he needed while protecting his teeth from grinding forces.
Mouth Guard FAQs
What is the best material for a mouth guard?
Most mouth guards are made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which is durable and comfortable.
Can I use a sports mouth guard for teeth grinding?
Sports guards are too bulky; look for a grinding-specific guard.
Are custom-fit mouth guards worth the investment?
Custom-fit guards provide better protection and comfort for heavy grinders.
Can a mouth guard help with snoring?
Yes, some mouth guards reduce snoring by improving jaw alignment.
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