BRUXISM / TEETH GRINDING FAQs
We have a wide selection of products to help Kiwis stop grinding their teeth at night. Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions that may be of assistance to you in deciding on the best product for you.
What is the best product to stop Teeth Grinding?
There is no simple answer to this question as everybody is different and may have different causes for bruxism. However there are 2 main types of teeth grinding mouthguards; what is known as 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards that are heated and mould to your teeth, and mouthpieces that have a bite-pad that fits between the molars and a joining strap around the front teeth. Visit https://www.snorblok.co.nz/collections/bruxism-mouthguards to see the options available.
Do you have an anti-bruxism product for children?
Yes, we do. The SOVA Junior nightguard has been designed especially with children in mind. The size of the nightguard is smaller than the regular mouthguard and can be moulded to your child's teeth using a simple 'boil and bite' technique, similar to fitting a sporting mouthguard. For more information or to purchase click here.
What is a boil-and-bite mouthguard?
A boil-and-bite mouthguard is a flat or preformed guard that is fitted to either the top or bottom teeth by heating the mouthguard in near boiling water and moulded to the shape of your teeth while the material is soft. As the mouthguard cools down, it hardens again to the shape of your teeth. We suggest the SOVA range which you can find here.
Do I need a mouthguard for both top and bottom teeth to stop teeth grinding?
No, this is not required. Non-boil nightguards such as the SleepRight Dura Comfort sit between the molars and the joiner band nestles by your front teeth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards such as the SOVA 3D, SOVA Max, SOVA Junior and SleepRight ProRx all are used on either the top or bottom jaw. Most people fit them to the top teeth.
Are bruxism mouthguards made from materials that are safe to put in my mouth?
Yes, all of our teeth grinding mouthguards are made from medical grade materials and contain no harmful materials.
What is the best mouthguard if I have bad bruxism?
We recommend the SOVA Max or SleepRight Dura-Comfort for bad cases of teeth grinding.
What is the best mouthguard for TMJ Pain?
TMJ Pain is often caused by the jaw clenching and locking in place which exacerbates the clenching. Some bruxism mouthguards are 'grippy' and will make TMJ pain worse. Studies have found that a hard mouthguard protecting the teeth will allow the upper and lower teeth to slide a little during sleep, instead of gripping, and this may help the muscle spasms to subside in some cases. We recommend the SOVA products for bad TMJ pain as they are manufactured from a special very hard (but also shock absorbing) material.
I gag with some mouthguards. Which is the best product for me?
The SleepRight ProRx is a high quality slim mouthguard which is ideal for a boil-and-bite guard. However this will cover all the teeth and it may be better to try the SleepRight non-boil mouth guards as they only consist of pads for the back teeth and a slim strip around the front of the mouth connecting the 2 pads. This makes for a lot smaller mouthguard.
How do I clean and sterilise my mouthguard?
Washing regularly with fresh running water is a must and we recommend using Snorblok Steriliser Tablets once or twice a week to kill any bacteria build up. We also sell SOVA Fresh Nightguard Spray which can be used to freshen your mouthpiece up before wearing.