Boil and Bite Mouth Guard
17th Jul 2025
If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, a boil and bite mouth guard might be on your radar. These mouth guards are popular because they’re affordable, easy to mold at home, and provide a decent level of protection. But are they the right choice for you?
We’ll cover everything you need to know about boil and bite mouth guards—how they work, their pros and cons, and whether they’re effective for teeth grinding. We’ll also compare them to custom-fit mouth guards so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Can Boil and Bite Mouth Guards be Used for Teeth Grinding?
Yes, boil and bite mouth guards can be used for teeth grinding, but they have limitations. They offer basic protection by creating a barrier between your teeth, reducing direct contact and wear. However, they aren’t designed for long-term use or severe grinding.
Pros of Using Boil and Bite Mouth Guards for Bruxism
Boil and bite mouth guards are a common choice for mild or occasional teeth grinding because they are affordable and easy to find. They cost less than custom night guards and can be replaced when needed.
You can buy them at pharmacies or online without visiting a dentist. While they may not offer the best fit or durability, they still provide a basic level of protection by creating a barrier between your teeth to help reduce grinding damage.
Cons of Using Boil and Bite Mouth Guards for Bruxism
Boil and bite mouth guards can help in the short term, but they have some drawbacks for teeth grinding. Since they aren’t custom-made, they may not fit perfectly and can feel loose or uncomfortable.
The material is also softer than custom night guards, so they tend to wear out quickly, especially if you grind your teeth heavily. Some people find them bulky, which can make it hard to sleep. They also provide limited protection and may not fully prevent the damage caused by long-term teeth grinding.
A 2014 study in the British Dental Journal found that over-the-counter guards like these often don’t last long and may not give enough support for more serious teeth grinding.
Is a Custom Night Guard a Better Option?
If you grind your teeth often or experience jaw pain, headaches, or worn-down teeth, a custom night guard is a better option. Unlike boil and bite guards, custom-fit guards are made specifically for your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit without slipping or discomfort.
They are also more durable, designed to withstand heavy grinding, and provide better long-term protection for your teeth and jaw.
Note: If you only grind occasionally, a boil and bite guard might work as a temporary solution.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards for Sports
Boil and bite mouth guards are great for sports protection. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouth guard for any sport with a risk of dental injury.
Brands like Shock Doctor make boil and bite guards that help absorb impact and protect teeth during contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey.
Why Sports Mouth Guards Aren’t Good for Teeth Grinding
While sports mouth guards protect against sudden impacts, they aren’t designed for bruxism (teeth grinding). Grinding puts constant pressure on the teeth, which sports guards can’t handle properly.
Not made for grinding - Sports guards absorb shock but don’t provide the even pressure needed for bruxism protection.
Can harm your bite - Allred Family Dentistry warns that using a sports guard for grinding can make your bite worse over time.
Bulky and uncomfortable - Sports guards are thicker, making them hard to sleep with.
Wears out fast - The constant pressure of grinding can break down a sports mouth guard quickly.
Related Articles:
- Night Guard Alternatives
- Dentist Night Guard vs. Over-The-Counter
- How do I Know if my Night Guard Fits Properly
Can Boil and Bite Mouthguards Make Teeth Grinding Worse?
Dr. Samantha Rawdin explains to Wirecutter that over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards are made from soft, squishy plastic, which can actually cause some people to clench their teeth more—making bruxism worse instead of relieving it.
Relying on a drugstore night guard for too long may also lead to serious dental issues. Due to their bulky and ill-fitting design, these guards can worsen conditions like gum disease, inflammation, and damaged dental work.
Dr. Leena Palomo warns that prolonged use of an OTC night guard may lead to the need for invasive and costly dental treatments. By the time a person finally visits a dentist, the damage may require more extensive and painful procedures.
Investing in a custom-fitted night guard can help prevent long-term dental complications, offering better protection, comfort, and durability for those dealing with teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Pro Tip: If you're using a boil and bite night guard for temporary relief, bring it to your dentist appointment & have your dentist check the night guard to make sure it's not doing any harm.
How do Boil and Bite Mouth Guards Work?
Boil and bite mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material, which softens when heated and molds to your teeth for a semi-custom fit. According to WebMD, this molding process helps improve comfort and protection compared to one-size-fits-all options.
According to Colgate, you can get a boil-and-bite mouthguard online, at drugstores, or sports stores. The fitting is up to you! Just boil it in hot water, then bite down while it’s warm so it molds to your teeth.
Related Articles:
FAQs About Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
1. How do I know if my boil and bite mouth guard fits properly?
Your boil and bite mouth guard should feel secure but not too tight. It should cover your teeth comfortably without slipping. If it feels loose or uncomfortable, you may need to remold it or try a custom night guard for a better fit.
2. Can I remold my boil and bite mouth guard if it doesn’t fit right?
Boil and bite mouthguards are designed to be molded once to fit your teeth. While some boil and bite mouthguards may allow for remolding, it depends on the specific product and its instructions.
3. How often should I replace my boil and bite mouth guard?
Boil and bite mouth guards typically last a few months to a year, depending on how often you use it and how hard you grind your teeth.
Conclusion: Is a Boil and Bite Mouth Guard Right for You?
A boil and bite mouth guard is a simple, affordable option for short-term protection against teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or sports-related impact. It offers some level of customization, but the fit, durability, and effectiveness are limited compared to a custom night guard.
If you experience occasional grinding or need a temporary solution, a boil and bite guard may work. However, for long-term comfort and better protection, a custom-fit night guard is the smarter choice. Custom guards are designed specifically for your teeth, ensuring a secure fit, better durability, and improved protection against bruxism and jaw pain.
References:
- American Dental Association. (2020). Athletic mouth protectors (mouthguards). ADA Library. Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards
- Shock Doctor. (n.d.). Shock Doctor: Mouthguards, protective sports gear & apparel. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.shockdoctor.com/
- Redd, N. (2021, March 5). We tried to find the best mouth guard for teeth grinding. We bit off more than we could chew. The New York Times (Wirecutter). Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/mouth-guard-teeth-grinding/
- WebMD. (2023, January 15). Do I need a dental health mouth guard? WebMD. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/mouth-guards
- Colgate. (n.d.). Mouthguards: Everything you need to know. Colgate. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/mouth-guards-everything-you-need-to-know
- Wassell, R. W., Verhees, L., Lawrence, K., Davies, S., & Lobbezoo, F. (2014). Over‑the‑counter (OTC) bruxism splints available on the Internet. British Dental Journal, 216(11), E24. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.452
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
