Dentists have found that over-the-counter (OTC) mouthguards can help protect teeth from wear and reduce damage from grinding, but are not replacements for a professionally-made custom appliance. Dentists recommend that an OTC mouthguard should fit comfortably and securely without causing jaw strain, gagging or breathing interference. The material should create a stable and even-biting surface that’s not too soft, which can cause jaw pain or exacerbate existing temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. The manufacturer of these mouthguards, DenTek Professional-Fit, also recommends these for light to moderate grinders or clenchers. However, Sachar advises patients to monitor for symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and gum irritation with OTC use, and a custom mouthguard may need to be fabricated.