Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea: Do They Really Work?

People struggling with sleep apnea or bruxism can manage their condition from home. Dentistry has introduced many at-home oral appliances that have proven to be a better, affordable, yet effective way to treat your dental issues than expensive in-office treatments.

This blog will discuss how mouth guards for sleep apnea and bruxism can help improve the quality of sleep, and their advantages and disadvantages.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, awakening with a dry mouth, insomnia, morning headache, irritability, or feeling tired all day. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to:

• Daytime Fatigue
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Problems
• Liver Problems
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome

How to Treat Sleep Apnea?

A wide range of dental oral devices can be found today. Using mouth guards is one of the most effective ways to manage sleep apnea. These mouth guards are good CPAP alternatives for mild sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is commonly managed with the following two types of mouth guards.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

MADs are plastic mouth guards that reposition the lower jaw to make airways for better breathing. MADs are also called mandibular advancement splints or mandibular repositioning devices.

Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)

These devices use suction to make airways by positioning your tongue forward. TRDs are usually used by people who cannot use MADs. TRDs are less studied in dentistry and are not often recommended for use.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, during the day or at night. Common symptoms of bruxism include sore jaw, headache, earache, tinnitus, and pain when eating. Leaving bruxism untreated can lead to tooth erosion, Sleep disorder, Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ), cracked teeth, and constant facial pain.

How to Treat Bruxism?

One of the most effective ways to treat bruxism is by using custom-made night guards designed to match your dental structure. These mouth guards are designed to fit comfortably and protect your teeth from the harmful effects of bruxism. Expert dentists recommend custom night guards to individuals suffering from grinding or clenching to protect their smile.

Custom vs Boil-And-Bite Sleep Mouthguards

These mouth guards can be purchased online or found over the counter. The following is a comparison between the two mouthguards.

Why is a Night Guard Important?

• Prevents teeth grinding damage
• Protects teeth from nighttime grinding, preventing wear and cracks.
• Protects against dental issues

Helps prevent costly long-term dental issues, such as chipped teeth.

• Supports better sleep
• Helps you sleep peacefully without clenching or discomfort.

Pros and Cons of Sleep and Oral Health Devices

How to Get Your Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Sleep apnea mouth guards can be purchased boil-and-bite over-the-counter mouthguard. To have more effective sleep apnea mouth guards, you need to visit your dentist, who will examine your condition and help you decide whether a custom or premade mouth guard is suitable in your case.

How To Get Anti-Grinding Mouth Guards

These mouth guards are available online as well as in over-the-counter options, but custom mouth guards provide a more effective and reliable fit. These mouthguards are dentist-fitted mouthpieces for snoring and are specially designed according to your unique dental structure, which fits snugly and protects your teeth during nighttime bruxism.

Smilepath Custom Night Guards

Smilepath offers custom-fit night guards that fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth. Smilepath night guards are designed for all age groups. Whether your child grinds teeth at night, your teen wears braces, or you suffer from TMJ, Smilepath has you covered.

Why Choose Smilepath Night Guards?

• Snug fit
• Custom-made night guards to perfectly fit your unique dental structure.
• BPA-free material
• BPA-free plastic ensures that the night guards are safe for long-term use.
• Restful sleep
• Preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching means you breathe easier and sleep better.
• Cost effective
• Premium quality, custom-fit, and affordable prices. There’s no other night guard that has it all.

See What Smilepath Customers Say

Love how smooth and well-organized SmilePath’s process is, from the delivery of my kit to the actual video session where they explained and guided me through the entire alignment process.

They were super patient the whole time, gave very clear instructions, and made sure everything was done right, which really helped me feel comfortable and totally assured about my aligners and teeth whitening – Britzie Suzie Solatorio

I used the online chat function to enquire about some retainers. The information I received was prompt, the operator was friendly and broke down all the deals, and my order was placed in a matter of minutes – Tracy Sandford

I was in search for some CPAP alternatives that were cheaper and came across SmilePath. I talked to Ele through the online chat feature and they were extremely nice and helpful. I highly recommend! – Haley

Making the Right Choice for Better Sleep and Oral Health

Mouth guards can play a vital role in managing sleep apnea and bruxism without relying on bulky machines or costly dental procedures. Whether it’s a mandibular advancement device to improve airflow, a tongue-retaining device for those who can’t tolerate jaw repositioning, or a custom night guard to prevent teeth grinding, each option serves a unique purpose. The right choice depends on your symptoms, comfort level, and professional guidance. Consulting a dental or sleep specialist ensures you select the most effective solution for better sleep, healthier teeth, and long-term well-being.

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