What a night guard does
A night guard is a soft or hard plastic cover that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It does not stop you from grinding or clenching. It puts a cushion between your teeth, so they take the wear instead of your enamel, fillings and crowns.
Cleveland Clinic says custom-made mouth guards give effective protection against grinding. For many people, a night guard also eases jaw soreness and morning headaches. For the jaw joint itself, the evidence is more mixed, and we cover that below.
Think of it as a seat belt for your teeth. It does not prevent the bump. It makes the bump hurt less. Without one, years of grinding can wear away the enamel on your teeth, and that wear does not grow back.
The right thickness and hardness depend on how you grind. A soft guard can feel comfortable at first, but heavy grinders may chew through it. A hard guard lasts longer but needs a careful fit. Your dentist will match the design to your habits.
Signs you may be grinding or clenching
Most people who grind do it in their sleep, so they do not know. Look for these clues:
- Waking up with a sore jaw, face or temples
- Morning headaches
- Teeth that look flat, chipped or worn down
- Teeth that feel sensitive to hot and cold
- Clicking, popping or tightness in the jaw
- A partner who hears grinding at night
- Cracked fillings or crowns that keep breaking
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have one on each side of your face, where your lower jaw meets your skull. People also use TMJ to talk about TMD, the group of problems that affect these joints and the jaw muscles around them.
Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping, a jaw that locks, trouble opening wide, ear pain and headaches. Grinding and clenching can make these symptoms worse, but they are not the only cause. Stress, arthritis, injuries and the way your teeth fit together can all play a part.
If you suspect TMJ, tell your dentist. They can check the joint, feel the jaw muscles and look at how your teeth meet. Sometimes the cause is a muscle problem and sometimes a joint problem, and the treatment is different for each.
Pain in the jaw can also come from teeth, the sinuses, the ears or the neck. That is another reason to get a proper exam and not guess.
Does a night guard help TMJ?
Often, yes, but not always. A night guard can relax the jaw muscles and take pressure off the joint, which helps many people with grinding-related pain. Research on how well splints work for TMJ is mixed, and a guard works best as part of a plan.
Cleveland Clinic says treatment for TMJ problems starts with simple, low-risk steps, such as soft foods, moist heat or cold packs, avoiding wide yawns and gum, and stress management. Splints, physical therapy and medicine can come next, and surgery is a last resort. A night guard is one tool, not a cure-all.
Be wary of anyone who promises a quick cure. TMJ pain often comes and goes, and it can improve with simple care. If your pain is severe, keeps coming back or limits how you eat and talk, ask your dentist about a step-by-step plan.
Custom or store-bought?
You can buy a guard at a drugstore, and it may be a fair stopgap. But a custom guard from your dentist usually fits better, feels thinner and lasts longer.
A bulky boil-and-bite guard can make you clench more or feel gagging. A poor fit may also shift your bite. A custom guard is made from a scan or impression of your teeth, so it fits snugly. Cleveland Clinic notes that mouth guards can be store-bought or custom-made by a dentist.
If you try a store-bought guard first, pay attention to how it feels. Stop using it and see a dentist if it makes your jaw ache more, makes your teeth feel loose or changes how your bite feels in the morning.
How a custom guard is made at KDA, and getting used to it
At Kendall Dental Associates, we make custom night guards. We use digital impressions with an intraoral scanner, so there is no tray of putty. We print custom retainers, night guards and temporary crowns in our own office with an in-house 3D printer.
At the first visit, your dentist checks your teeth, jaw and bite and takes your scan. At the next visit, you try on the guard and we adjust it so it fits comfortably and your bite feels right.
Your guard may need small changes in the first weeks. If it feels too tight, rubs your gum or changes how your teeth meet, tell us. Adjustments are normal and take only a few minutes.
It can feel strange the first few nights. Most people adapt in a week or two. Try wearing it for an hour while you read or watch TV, then wear it to bed.
Brush it with a soft brush and cool water or mild soap, and store it in its case. Do not leave it in a hot car or hot water, and keep it away from pets. Bring it to your checkups so your dentist can look for wear or cracks.
Other ways to calm grinding and jaw pain
A night guard works best with good habits:
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Try to relax your jaw during the day. Teeth should be apart and lips closed.
- Avoid chewing gum and biting nails or pens
- Use moist heat on a sore jaw, and eat soft foods during a flare-up
- Find ways to wind down at night, like stretching or a warm shower
- Ask your doctor about sleep problems, because grinding is sometimes linked to disrupted sleep
When to see a dentist or doctor
See a dentist if you notice worn or sensitive teeth, jaw pain that lasts or a jaw that clicks and hurts. See a doctor or go to an emergency room right away if your jaw locks and will not open or close, or if you have severe pain or swelling in your face. Chest, arm or jaw pain together with shortness of breath needs 911.
To ask about a custom night guard, call 305-271-1421. We are at 8833 SW 107th Ave, Miami, in the Kendall Mall, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with emergency care available 24/7. We accept most dental insurances and most Medicare supplemental plans, and financing is available.
Common questions
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
No. It protects your teeth from the damage of grinding, but it does not stop the habit itself.
Is a custom night guard worth it?
Usually. A custom guard fits better, is thinner and lasts longer than most store-bought ones.
Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
It can help some people by relaxing the jaw muscles and easing pressure on the joint. Research is mixed, so it is usually one part of a plan.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind and the material. Heavy grinders may wear through one in a few years. Your dentist will check it at your visits.
Can I wear a night guard if I have a crown or implant?
Yes. A night guard is often recommended to protect crowns, veneers and implant restorations from grinding.
How do I clean a night guard?
Brush it each morning with a soft brush and cool water or mild soap. Store it dry in its case.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: my.clevelandclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org.