Quick Answer: A night guard (or dental mouthguard) is a custom or over-the-counter tray worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism). Custom-fitted guards from your dentist cost $300 to $800 in Canada but last 3 to 5 years, while boil-and-bite options run $20 to $50 at most pharmacies. Roughly 8% of adults grind their teeth at night, often without knowing it.
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In This Guide
Reading Time: 8 minutes
You wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache behind your temples, and teeth that feel like they ran a marathon overnight. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Millions of Canadians grind their teeth during sleep, a condition dentists call bruxism, and most of them have no idea they are doing it until the damage shows up.
A night guard is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your teeth and improve your sleep. In this guide, we walk through the types, costs, and practical tips so you can make an informed choice.
What Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, and it comes in two forms. Awake bruxism happens during the day, usually linked to stress or concentration. Sleep bruxism happens at night, often during lighter sleep stages, and is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder.
What the Research Says
According to a systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, sleep bruxism affects approximately 13% of the adult population, with higher rates in children and adolescents (Lobbezoo et al., 2013, DOI: 10.1111/joor.12042). The condition often occurs during microarousals, brief shifts from deeper to lighter sleep. Stress, anxiety, and obstructive sleep apnea are among the strongest risk factors (Manfredini et al., 2013, DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2012.06.016).
The forces involved are remarkable. Normal chewing produces about 70 pounds of pressure on your molars. During a grinding episode, that number can climb above 250 pounds, enough to crack dental work and wear down enamel over time.
Common Causes of Nighttime Teeth Grinding
- Stress and anxiety: The most frequently cited trigger in clinical research
- Sleep apnea: Grinding often occurs alongside airway obstruction events
- Medications: Certain SSRIs, amphetamines, and antipsychotics can increase bruxism
- Alcohol and caffeine: Both substances raise the likelihood of nighttime grinding
- Genetics: Bruxism tends to run in families
- Misaligned bite: Malocclusion can contribute, though this is debated among researchers
Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Since bruxism happens while you sleep, many people only discover it through symptoms or a partner who hears the grinding. Watch for these signs:
- Morning jaw pain or stiffness that eases as the day goes on
- Dull headaches starting at the temples when you wake
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth your dentist notices during checkups
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods that was not there before
- Earache-like pain not caused by an ear infection
- Disrupted sleep for you or your bed partner
- Tight or tired jaw muscles when you first open your mouth in the morning
- Indentations on your tongue from pressing it against your teeth
If you recognize several of these, a visit to your dentist is a good next step. They can check for enamel wear and recommend the right type of mouthguard for teeth grinding.
Types of Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Not all mouthguards are created equal. The right one depends on how severely you grind, your budget, and your comfort preferences.
Custom-Fitted Night Guards (Dentist-Made)
Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to a dental lab. The result is a precise fit that stays in place and distributes force evenly. These are the gold standard for moderate to severe bruxism.
- Cost: $300 to $800 in Canada (may be partially covered by dental insurance)
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years with proper care
- Best for: Moderate to severe grinders, people with dental work
Boil-and-Bite Guards
Available at most pharmacies, these thermoplastic guards soften in hot water so you can mold them to your teeth. The fit is decent but not as precise as custom options.
- Cost: $20 to $50
- Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year
- Best for: Mild grinders, those trying a guard for the first time
Over-the-Counter Stock Guards
Pre-formed plastic guards available in generic sizes. They are the least expensive but also the least comfortable, and they tend to shift during sleep.
- Cost: $10 to $25
- Lifespan: 3 to 6 months
- Best for: Very mild grinding, short-term use
Online Custom Guards
Mail-order services send you an impression kit. You take your own mold at home and mail it back for a lab-made guard. Quality varies widely between companies.
- Cost: $100 to $200
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Best for: Budget-conscious moderate grinders comfortable with DIY impressions
Hard vs. Soft Night Guards
Research published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that hard acrylic occlusal splints reduced EMG muscle activity more effectively than soft guards in patients with sleep bruxism (Amorim et al., 2012, DOI: 10.1007/s00784-011-0611-4). Soft guards can actually encourage some people to chew or clench more. For severe grinders, most dentists recommend hard or dual-laminate (hard outside, soft inside) designs.
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How to Choose the Right Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding
Choosing Your Night Guard: Key Factors
- Grinding severity: Mild grinders can start with boil-and-bite. Moderate to severe grinders should invest in custom-fitted guards.
- Comfort: If the guard is uncomfortable, you will not wear it. A custom fit solves most comfort complaints.
- Thickness: Thinner guards (1-2 mm) feel less bulky. Thicker guards (3 mm+) last longer for heavy grinders.
- Upper vs. lower: Most dentists recommend upper guards, but lower guards can feel less intrusive for some patients.
- Breathing: Make sure the guard does not restrict airflow, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night.
Talk to your dentist before choosing. They can assess wear patterns on your teeth and recommend the right material and thickness. Many dental insurance plans in Ontario cover a portion of custom night guards, so check your benefits first.
Your Mattress, Pillow, and Teeth Grinding
Here is something most articles about night guards skip: your sleep setup matters. Bruxism is closely tied to sleep quality, and your mattress and pillow play a direct role in how well you sleep.
The Sleep Quality Connection
A study in Sleep Medicine Reviews confirmed that bruxism episodes cluster during periods of microarousal, brief shifts from deep to light sleep (Lavigne et al., 2008, DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.06.001). Anything that disrupts sleep continuity, including an uncomfortable mattress, a worn-out pillow, or a bedroom that is too warm, can increase these microarousals and potentially worsen grinding.
Mattress Tips for Teeth Grinders
- Pressure relief matters: A mattress that creates pressure points at the shoulders or hips can cause tossing, which triggers microarousals. Medium-firm mattresses with memory foam or latex comfort layers help reduce this.
- Supportive alignment: Proper spinal alignment keeps your jaw in a neutral position. When your spine curves unnaturally, your jaw compensates, which can worsen clenching.
- Replace on schedule: Most mattresses lose meaningful support after 7 to 10 years. If yours is older, it may be contributing to poor sleep quality.
Pillow Considerations
- Neck support: A pillow that keeps your cervical spine aligned reduces jaw tension. Side sleepers need a thicker pillow to fill the gap between ear and shoulder.
- Avoid stomach sleeping: Sleeping face-down forces your jaw to one side, increasing strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Brantford Dental and Sleep Resources
If you suspect you grind your teeth, start with your Brantford dentist for a night guard fitting. For the sleep side of the equation, visit our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street to test mattresses and pillows that support proper jaw alignment. We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997, and we are happy to walk you through the options, no pressure.
Night Guard Care and Maintenance
A night guard only works if you wear it consistently and keep it clean. Here is how to make yours last:
- Rinse after each use with cool water (hot water can warp thermoplastic guards)
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste
- Soak weekly in a denture cleaner or a mix of water and white vinegar (50/50)
- Store in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth. Never leave it wrapped in a tissue or napkin.
- Keep away from heat including hot car dashboards, direct sunlight, and dishwashers
- Bring it to dental appointments so your dentist can check fit and wear
- Replace when worn through. A guard with holes, cracks, or significant thinning is not protecting your teeth.
Beyond the Night Guard: Other Ways to Reduce Teeth Grinding
A mouthguard protects your teeth, but it does not treat the root cause. Consider these complementary approaches:
- Stress management: Cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation, and regular exercise all reduce stress-related bruxism
- Jaw exercises: Gentle stretching and massage of the masseter muscles can relieve tension
- Limit stimulants: Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Check your medications: Ask your doctor if any prescriptions could be contributing
- Screen for sleep apnea: If you snore heavily or wake gasping, a sleep apnea assessment may uncover a treatable cause
- Warm compress: Apply a warm cloth to your jaw before bed to relax the muscles
- Botox injections: For severe cases, some dentists offer botulinum toxin injections into the masseter muscles to reduce grinding force
Wondering if your night guard can treat sleep apnea too? Read our mouth guard for sleep apnea guide to understand the difference.
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a night guard cost in Canada?
Custom-fitted night guards from a dentist typically cost $300 to $800 in Canada, with many Ontario dental insurance plans covering 50% to 80% of the cost. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards cost $20 to $50 at most pharmacies. Check your benefits before deciding which route to take.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches every morning?
Yes. Morning tension headaches are one of the most common symptoms of sleep bruxism. The sustained clenching activates your temporalis muscles (at your temples), producing a dull, aching headache that typically fades within a few hours of waking. A properly fitted night guard can significantly reduce these morning headaches.
Should I get a hard or soft night guard?
For moderate to severe grinding, dentists generally recommend hard acrylic guards. Research suggests soft guards may actually encourage some people to chew or clench more. Dual-laminate guards (hard outside, soft inside) offer a good compromise between protection and comfort.
Does your mattress affect teeth grinding?
Indirectly, yes. Bruxism episodes are linked to microarousals during sleep. An uncomfortable or worn-out mattress that causes tossing and turning can increase these disruptions. A supportive, pressure-relieving mattress helps you stay in deeper sleep stages where grinding is less likely. Visit Mattress Miracle in Brantford to find the right fit.
How long does a night guard last?
A custom-fitted dental night guard typically lasts 3 to 5 years with proper care. Boil-and-bite guards last 6 months to 1 year. Heavy grinders may wear through guards faster. Bring your guard to dental checkups so your dentist can monitor its condition.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Grinding your teeth at night? A night guard protects your dental work, and the right mattress helps you stay in deeper sleep where grinding is less common. Come test our mattresses in person, and we will help you find one that supports proper spinal and jaw alignment.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.