Quick Answer: A sleeping mouthguard (also called a night guard or occlusal splint) is a dental appliance worn during sleep to prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism). Custom-fitted guards made by a dentist provide the best protection and comfort, but over-the-counter boil-and-bite options work reasonably well for mild cases. Untreated bruxism causes tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep.
In This Guide
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If you wake up with jaw pain, a dull headache behind the temples, or a partner who reports grinding sounds during the night, you may have bruxism , nocturnal teeth grinding. It is more common than most people realise. The Canadian Dental Association estimates that 8–16% of adults grind their teeth at night, with many unaware they are doing it.
A sleeping mouthguard will not cure bruxism, but it protects your teeth and reduces the associated pain while you and your dentist work on the underlying causes. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Matter?
Bruxism refers to the habitual grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. Nocturnal bruxism , which occurs during sleep , is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Unlike daytime clenching, which people can often notice and stop, nighttime bruxism happens below the level of consciousness.
What Causes Bruxism?
The exact cause of sleep bruxism is not fully understood, but research in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation identifies several associated factors:
- Psychological stress and anxiety , the most consistently documented risk factor
- Sleep disorders , obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with bruxism in a significant subset of patients; treating OSA sometimes reduces grinding
- Medications , SSRIs, SNRIs, and some stimulants (including caffeine in high doses) are associated with increased bruxism
- Genetics , bruxism tends to run in families
- Caffeine and alcohol , both intensify bruxism episodes when consumed close to bedtime
A full evaluation by a dentist and, where sleep apnoea is suspected, a sleep physician is the appropriate clinical pathway.
Left untreated, nocturnal bruxism causes progressive tooth wear, fractures, damage to dental restorations, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, morning headaches, jaw muscle pain and fatigue, and disrupted sleep quality for both the grinder and their partner.
Types of Sleeping Mouthguards
There are three main categories of night guards available in Canada:
1. Stock (Ready-to-Wear) Guards
Sold pre-formed in pharmacies. They come in small, medium, or large sizes and require no customisation. They are the cheapest option ($10–$30 CAD) but are generally considered the least effective , they are bulky, can shift during sleep, and do not conform to your dental anatomy. Most dentists do not recommend them for anything beyond short-term or emergency use.
2. Boil-and-Bite Guards
The most widely used over-the-counter option. You soften the guard in boiling water, then bite into it to create a rough impression of your teeth. They fit better than stock guards and cost $30–$80 CAD. They are appropriate for mild to moderate bruxism and for people who want to trial a guard before investing in a custom model.
3. Custom-Fitted Guards (Dental Lab)
Made from a precise impression of your teeth taken by a dentist. Fabricated in a dental laboratory from hard acrylic, soft thermoplastic, or a dual-laminate combining both. These provide the best fit, most effective protection, and greatest comfort for regular wear. Cost range: $300–$800 CAD, partially covered by many Canadian dental plans.
Comparing Your Options
| Type | Cost (CAD) | Fit Quality | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | $10–$30 | Poor | Low | Short-term, emergency use only |
| Boil-and-bite | $30–$80 | Moderate | Moderate (3–6 months) | Mild bruxism, budget option |
| Custom (hard) | $400–$800 | Excellent | High (2–5 years) | Moderate to severe grinding |
| Custom (soft) | $300–$600 | Excellent | Moderate-high (1–3 years) | Mild grinding, sensitive teeth |
| Custom dual-laminate | $500–$800 | Excellent | High (2–4 years) | Moderate to severe, best all-around |
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Who Needs a Night Guard?
You may benefit from a sleeping mouthguard if you experience:
- Waking with jaw soreness, tightness, or pain
- Headaches concentrated at the temples in the morning
- Tooth sensitivity that your dentist cannot attribute to other causes
- Visible tooth wear or flattening of the biting surfaces noted by your dentist
- A sleep partner who reports hearing grinding sounds at night
- Cracked or fractured teeth without obvious trauma history
- TMJ clicking or pain when opening the jaw
A dentist can confirm bruxism through clinical examination. Signs include wear facets (flat spots on the teeth), tooth sensitivity, hypertrophied masseter muscles (visible jaw muscle enlargement), and sometimes tooth fractures or damaged restorations.
How to Choose the Right Guard
Choosing by Severity
- Mild grinding (occasional, no noticeable tooth wear): A boil-and-bite guard from a pharmacy is a reasonable starting point. Try it for 2–4 weeks.
- Moderate grinding (regular occurrence, some morning jaw pain): See your dentist for a custom soft or dual-laminate guard. Check whether your dental plan covers it.
- Severe grinding (significant tooth wear, daily jaw pain, TMJ symptoms): Custom hard acrylic guard is the clinical standard. This should be paired with stress management strategies and possibly a sleep study to rule out sleep apnoea.
Upper or lower? Most custom guards are made for the upper teeth, as the upper arch provides a more stable base and upper guards are generally easier to tolerate. Lower guards are sometimes preferred by patients who gag easily with upper guards, or by patients with specific bite issues. Your dentist will advise based on your anatomy and the severity of grinding.
Care and Maintenance
A mouthguard accumulates bacteria, calculus, and odour quickly if not cleaned properly:
- Rinse under cold or lukewarm water (not hot , hot water warps thermoplastic guards) immediately after removing each morning
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap , avoid toothpaste, which can scratch and create bacterial reservoirs in the micro-scratches
- Soak weekly in a diluted denture cleaner solution (avoid overnight soaking in denture cleanser, which can degrade some materials)
- Allow to air dry fully in a ventilated case before storing , a moist environment promotes bacterial growth
- Bring to dental appointments for assessment of wear
The Sleep Quality Connection
Bruxism does not just damage teeth , it disrupts sleep. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (Manfredini et al., 2013) found that sleep bruxism episodes are associated with micro-arousals from sleep, particularly during transitions from lighter to deeper sleep stages. This means active bruxers often wake briefly multiple times during the night without remembering it, accumulating a sleep debt that contributes to daytime fatigue.
Additionally, the connection between bruxism and sleep apnoea is clinically meaningful. A 2016 meta-analysis in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that bruxism is significantly more prevalent in OSA patients than in the general population. If night guard use does not resolve your morning fatigue, a sleep study to rule out OSA is worth discussing with your physician.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist at Mattress Miracle: "We occasionally have customers mention that their dentist told them they grind their teeth, and they are also coming to us because they are not sleeping well. Sometimes the two are related , sleep apnoea can trigger bruxism, and the disrupted sleep from grinding accumulates over time. The mattress and sleep setup is one piece of the puzzle, but if someone is grinding, I always suggest they also talk to their dentist and, if the dentist suspects apnoea, their doctor."
Sleeping mouthguards include over-the-counter boil-and-bite models for bruxism, custom-fitted dental guards for TMJ protection, and mandibular advancement devices for snoring, each serving a different purpose with different fitting requirements. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford notes that bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep is often worsened by stress and uncomfortable sleep positions. Brad recommends addressing sleep comfort alongside any dental guard, as a supportive mattress that reduces tossing and tension can complement bruxism treatment. Call (519) 770-0001.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep with a mouthguard every night?
Yes , custom night guards are designed for nightly use. It typically takes 1–2 weeks to adjust to sleeping with a guard. Most users find that once adjusted, the guard becomes a comfortable part of their sleep routine. If you experience pain or significant discomfort beyond the adjustment period, return to your dentist for a fit adjustment.
Is a sleeping mouthguard covered by Canadian dental insurance?
Many Canadian dental plans partially cover custom night guards under restorative or preventive benefits. Coverage varies widely by plan. Most plans require a dentist's diagnosis of bruxism and a formal treatment plan. Contact your insurer before having the guard made to understand your specific coverage and pre-authorization requirements.
How long does a mouthguard last?
It depends on grinding severity and material. Hard acrylic custom guards last 2–5 years for moderate grinders. Soft guards wear out more quickly , 1–2 years for regular grinders. Boil-and-bite OTC guards typically last 3–6 months with regular use. Signs that a guard needs replacing include visible wear through to the inner surface, cracking, or if the fit has become loose.
Will a night guard stop my bruxism?
No. A night guard protects your teeth from the effects of bruxism but does not stop the grinding itself. Addressing the underlying causes , stress management, treating sleep apnoea if present, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and in some cases cognitive behavioural therapy , has more effect on bruxism frequency than a guard alone. Botox injections into the masseter muscle are sometimes used for severe cases unresponsive to other treatments.
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
If teeth grinding or jaw pain is contributing to poor sleep, your mattress and pillow setup also matters , the right pillow height and firmness for your sleeping position reduces neck and jaw tension overnight. Brad and Dorothy are happy to talk through your sleep setup in person.
Related Reading
- Sleep Apnoea and Your Mattress: What Position and Support Actually Help
- Best Pillow for Neck Pain: What Actually Works
- Drooling in Sleep: Causes and What It Means
- Shop Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
- Wedge Back Pillows: What They Do, How to Choose One, and Who Needs Them
- Extremely Firm Mattress Guide: Who Needs One and How to Choose
Sources
- Manfredini, D., et al. (2013). "Sleep bruxism and waking-time bruxism: a meta-analytic comparison." Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 9(8), 835–840.
- Hosoya, H., et al. (2014). "Relationship between sleep bruxism and sleep respiratory events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome." Sleep and Breathing.
- Lobbezoo, F., et al. (2013). "Bruxism defined and graded." Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 40(1), 2–4.
- Canadian Dental Association. "Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)." cda-adc.ca
- Sleep Foundation. (2025). "Best Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding." sleepfoundation.org
- Cleveland Clinic. "Mouthguards." my.clevelandclinic.org
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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.
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