Ashwin Lewis
Mouth guards are dental appliances that fit over your teeth and are used for a variety of purposes, from preventing teeth grinding to treating sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where the position of the throat causes the skin at the back of the throat to collapse over the airway. Mouth guards can be used to treat sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw forward and keeping the airway open. They can also be used to hold the tongue in place so it doesn't fall back over the airway. While mouth guards are generally considered safe, they can have side effects, and it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider when selecting and using one.
Does Sleep Guard Work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness in treating sleep apnea | Sleep guards are effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. They may also be used to treat severe sleep apnea, but CPAP machines are generally preferred in such cases. |
| Types | There are two main types of sleep apnea mouth guards: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). |
| Customizability | Custom-made sleep guards are more comfortable and durable than store-bought ones. They are also more effective in treating sleep apnea. |
| Side effects | Sleep guards may have side effects such as soreness in the teeth, gums, or jaw. These side effects usually go away as a person gets used to the device. |
| Cost | The cost of a sleep guard can vary from under $100 for a simple mouth guard to thousands of dollars for a customized solution. |
| Dental conditions | MADs should not be used by people with gum infections, significant periodontal disease, or those who wear teeth realignment devices. |
| Alternatives | CPAP machines are an alternative treatment for sleep apnea. They deliver a continuous flow of oxygen to the back of the throat, preventing its collapse. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep apnea mouth guards
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the muscles around the tongue and throat relax, causing the tissues to block airflow to the lungs during sleep. The two most widely used and effective treatment options for sleep apnea are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and dental appliances, or mouth guards.
There are two main types of sleep apnea mouth guards: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). MADs are the most widely used mouth device for sleep apnea and work by moving the lower jaw forward, which helps open the airway. A MAD can be a one-piece or two-piece device. The one-piece option is more rigid and doesn’t allow the mouth to move as much as a two-piece, which has two separate components linked together. A dentist will take a digital scan or impression and bite registration of your teeth to ensure the MAD is a good fit. TRDs, on the other hand, use suction to keep the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from falling back into the airway. TRDs can be used by people who do not have enough teeth to keep a MAD in place or who cannot use a MAD for other reasons.
While sleep apnea mouth guards are simple to use and often effective, they should not be used in certain situations. For example, people who have severe OSA or who feel very sleepy while driving may need to be treated immediately with CPAP as it takes less time to be effective, while finding the optimal fit for a mouth guard can take weeks or months. Additionally, if a person’s OSA causes blood oxygen levels to fall below 70% during sleep, an oral appliance may not be sufficient to improve the problem. Furthermore, MADs should not be used by people who do not have enough teeth to hold the device in place, who have disease or immobility of the jaw joint, significant periodontal disease, a gum infection, or who wear teeth realignment devices such as braces or retainers.
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Custom-made vs store-bought mouth guards
Mouth guards are an effective solution to harmful teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. They are also used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. There are two main types of mouth guards: custom-made and store-bought.
Custom-made mouth guards are created by a dentist to fit your exact dental anatomy. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth, which is then sent to a laboratory where the mouth guard is fabricated. Custom mouth guards are made from thermoplastic, which is more durable than the plastic used in store-bought mouth guards. They can be made thicker for those who grind their teeth violently, and they can be made from hard or soft acrylic depending on the patient's needs. Custom mouth guards offer superior fit, comfort, and protection, and they last longer than store-bought guards. They can be quite costly, but they are worth the investment as they provide effective protection against teeth grinding and sports-related injuries.
Store-bought mouth guards, on the other hand, are cheaper and more readily available. They come in two types: stock, which can be used right out of the box, and boil-and-bite, which can be customized at home by softening the plastic with hot water and then biting into it to create a good fit. However, store-bought mouth guards are not as durable, effective, or comfortable as custom-made ones. They are made from thinner plastic, which wears down more quickly, and they do not fit as accurately, often interfering with sleep.
While store-bought mouth guards may be a more affordable option, custom-made mouth guards offer several advantages in terms of fit, comfort, and durability. Custom mouth guards are created specifically for the individual's unique mouth and teeth shape, ensuring optimal safety and comfort. They are also more effective in protecting against teeth grinding and sports-related injuries. Therefore, while custom-made mouth guards come at a higher price point, they may be a more cost-effective option in the long run, as they last longer and provide better protection.
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Tongue-retaining devices
TRDs are custom-made by taking casts of the tongue and teeth and using a soft copolymer to create the appliance. The initial mandibular protrusion is set at 50-75% of the maximum protrusion and can be adjusted based on patient comfort and the effectiveness of the device in reducing snoring. Lateral holes in the appliance facilitate mouth breathing.
TRDs are typically proposed as an alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate or are non-compliant with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the standard treatment for sleep apnea. They may also be suitable for individuals with a large tongue (macroglossia) that obstructs their airway. However, it is important to note that TRDs are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used by individuals who cannot stick their tongue out past their teeth, those with central sleep apnea, or children, as their breathing issues during sleep may be caused by factors such as allergies or tonsil enlargement.
While TRDs have been shown to be effective in small populations, they are not as well-studied as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and are less frequently prescribed. They may be less comfortable than MADs, and their effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors such as age and mandibular protrusion distance. Side effects associated with TRDs include difficulty breathing and infection, and they must be cleaned regularly to prevent unpleasant odours.
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Mandibular advancement devices
MADs are typically made of plastic and cover the upper and lower teeth. They can be one-piece or two-piece devices, with the two-piece option providing more flexibility in terms of mouth movement. The one-piece option is more rigid and does not allow for as much mouth movement. A qualified dentist will take a digital scan or impression and bite registration of the patient's teeth to ensure a good fit. Customized MADs are generally more comfortable, effective, and likely to fit well on the teeth than premade, over-the-counter options. It is important to work with a healthcare provider or dentist when considering a MAD to ensure proper fitting and to address any side effects that may develop.
MADs are most frequently recommended for people with mild to moderate OSA, although they may also improve severe OSA. They are often suggested for those who have trouble using a CPAP machine, which is considered the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP machines work by delivering a continuous flow of oxygen to the back of the throat, preventing airway collapse. However, some people find MADs more manageable than CPAP machines due to the time it takes to get used to the device and the need to wear a mask over the face while sleeping.
Overall, MADs are a popular and effective treatment option for sleep apnea, offering several benefits such as improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and lowered blood pressure. They are also associated with improved quality of life, including reduced symptoms of depression.
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Side effects of mouth guards
Mouth guards are dental appliances that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from teeth grinding to sleep apnea and snoring. While mouth guards can be a safe and effective solution, there are some potential side effects that users should be aware of.
One of the most common side effects of wearing a mouth guard is discomfort and pain. This is especially true during the initial adjustment period, as it can take some time to get used to wearing a mouth guard. Poorly fitted mouth guards, including over-the-counter stock guards and boil-and-bite guards, can cause soft tissue soreness, pressing into sensitive areas of the mouth and leading to pain, pressure, and swollen or bleeding gums. Custom-fit night guards, on the other hand, are recommended for regular use as they are designed to fit an individual's unique dental anatomy, reducing discomfort and providing effective protection.
Another potential side effect of mouth guards is the impact on tooth alignment. While a correctly fitted night guard should not move teeth, if a mouth guard is not fitted properly, it can cause teeth to shift, exacerbating symptoms of TMJ disorder, including jaw pain, headaches, and facial pain. TMJ disorder can cause difficulty in chewing, pain in and around the ears, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to damage to the articular disc, which may result in the jaw locking open or closed, requiring emergency medical attention.
Additionally, mouth guards can contribute to bacterial growth in the mouth. Specifically, sports mouth guards, when worn at night, can trap bacteria on the gum's surface by preventing saliva from reaching the gums. Saliva helps to neutralize acids that can cause cavities and washes away food particles, inhibiting plaque development. As a result, it is recommended to consult a dental professional when selecting a mouth guard to ensure it does not negatively impact oral hygiene.
While less common, some users may experience an increase in headaches when wearing a mouth guard. This could be attributed to several factors, such as an improper fit, lack of sleep, or the adjustment period of wearing a new mouth guard. If headaches persist or become a regular occurrence, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dentist for guidance and to address any underlying health concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleep guard is a dental appliance that fits over your teeth. Sleep guards are used to treat conditions such as teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorder.
Sleep guards work by moving the lower jaw forward, creating more space in the throat and preventing the airway from collapsing. Tongue-retaining devices, on the other hand, hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from collapsing into the airway.
Sleep guards are generally considered safe and effective for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also effective in reducing teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. However, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider when selecting and using a sleep guard to ensure optimal fit and effectiveness.
Sleep guards can be purchased over the counter or custom-made by a dentist. Custom-made sleep guards are more comfortable and effective than store-bought ones but tend to be more expensive. It is recommended to consult with a dentist or healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific needs.
