![]() While microwaveable guards are undeniably more convenient, the point is that you want as good a fit as possible, and lots of boil-and-bite options offer that. Donald Tanenbaum, a board-certified TMJ and orofacial-pain specialist, prefers microwaveable ones because they are made from a “thinner, lighter, more moldable material,” which ultimately means they will be more comfortable. “When it sets, you can trim, and now you have a semi-custom-fitted guard.” If you don’t want to boil a whole pot of water, some guards have “microwave and bite” technology, which basically works the same. To use one, you just have to put it in hot water to soften and bite into it, which will help set it, says New York City dentist Dr. These tend to be the most popular variety, since they’re comfortable and easily found in drugstores, according to board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Only a doctor can fit you for a custom mouth guard, but for the best-fitting OTC alternative, look for a “boil and bite” guard that molds to your teeth. Surprisingly, I found several to be extremely simple to set up at home - and some even as comfortable as my Invisalign retainers, which are custom-made for my teeth. ![]() I then tried some out for myself to test their ease of use and comfort. In case you decide to go the OTC route, I spoke to 13 dentists - including jaw-joint-disorder specialists and experts in jaw pain - about what factors to consider when selecting the right mouth guard. But the experts I spoke to emphasize that these are not recommended for long-term use. ![]() In the meantime, or if your grinding seems to be associated with periods of high stress or poor sleep, an over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guard might help as a short-term solution (two weeks to a month). If you suspect that you’re grinding your teeth at night, the best thing to do is visit a dentist for a full evaluation. Rashmi Ambewadikar of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Instead, it can lead to serious oral issues, including loss of enamel, tooth sensitivity, and a proclivity for cavities, according to Dr. The condition is often only detected when seeking treatment for symptoms like headaches, facial or jaw pain, or worn-down teeth - or if a bed partner notices the grinding sound. But sleep bruxism is much harder to treat since many of us don’t even know we’re doing it. ![]() Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can happen day or night. ![]()
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