Learn how to stop teeth grinding with night guards and protect your smile. Bruxism — the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching which affects a lot more people than you might think. Many adults don’t even realize they grind at night until they wake up with a sore jaw or a headache. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective way to protect your teeth: night guards, custom dental appliances designed to shield your smile while you sleep. In this guide, we’ll break down what night guards are, how they work, how to choose the right one, and why visiting a Dentistry at The Grove in Burlington for a custom fit can make all the difference.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching, usually while you sleep. This habit can be mild or severe and may happen without you even knowing it. Common signs include:
- Waking up with a sore jaw or headache
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Cracked, chipped, or worn enamel
- A partner or family member hearing grinding sounds at night
Experts estimate that a significant number of adults struggle with sleep bruxism, and children can be affected too. Left untreated, bruxism can damage your teeth and lead to costly dental problems — that’s where night guards come in.
What Are Night Guards?
A night guard is a protective dental device that fits over your teeth while you sleep. Its main job is to keep your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, which helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel and reduces pressure on your jaw.
Night guards can look different depending on the type:
- Soft night guards: Comfortable and flexible, ideal for mild grinding.
- Hard night guards: Made from sturdy acrylic for stronger protection.
- Hybrid guards: A mix of soft and hard materials, balancing comfort and durability.
What Night Guards Are Not
It’s important to understand what night guards are not. They aren’t:
- Regular retainers
- Sports mouth guards
- One-size-fits-all devices
A retainer is designed to hold teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, but it doesn’t have the thickness or strength to protect against grinding. On the other hand, night guards are thicker and designed specifically to absorb chewing forces — so don’t mix up the two.
How Night Guards Work
Night guards act like a cushion between your teeth. When you grind:
- They reduce pressure on enamel and dental restorations like crowns and fillings.
- They help relax jaw muscles and can decrease morning soreness.
- They protect against chips, cracks, and tooth loss from excessive grinding.
Wearing a night guard won’t necessarily stop the grinding itself, but it drastically reduces the damage it causes — which is the whole point.
Why Choose a Custom Night Guard from a Dentist
You can buy over-the-counter night guards at pharmacies or online. These might seem cheaper, but they often have drawbacks:
- Poor fit and comfort
- Less effective protection
- Wear out faster
- Can cause jaw discomfort if not shaped correctly
A custom night guard made by a dentist in Burlington offers:
1. Precision Fit
Your dentist will take detailed impressions of your teeth, so the guard fits snugly and doesn’t move while you sleep. This reduces irritation and maximizes protection.
2. Better Comfort
Custom guards are far more comfortable to wear every night, making it easier to stick with the routine.
3. Long-Term Durability
Lab-made night guards are usually stronger and last longer than generic versions.
4. Expert Support
Your dentist can adjust the fit if needed and monitor your bruxism over time, something you simply can’t get with store-bought options.
Whether you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or signs of wear on your teeth, booking an appointment with a dentist in Burlington for a bruxism evaluation is a proactive way to protect your smile.
Signs You Might Need a Night Guard
You might benefit from a night guard if you experience:
- Morning jaw stiffness or soreness
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Visible wear on tooth surfaces
- Broken dental work like chips, cracks, or worn fillings
- A partner reports grinding noises at night
The sooner you address these, the better your long-term dental health will be.
Taking Care of Your Night Guard
A night guard can do its job for years, but only if you look after it properly.
Here’s how:
- Rinse it daily after removing it from your mouth.
- Brush gently with a toothbrush (avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive).
- Let it dry fully before storing it to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Store in its case in a cool, dry place — not in direct bathroom humidity.
- Keeping it clean not only prolongs its life but also protects your oral health
Other Tips to Manage Bruxism
Night guards are excellent for protecting teeth, but managing bruxism sometimes involves more:
- Relaxation techniques before bedtime
- Stress management routines
- Avoiding caffeine or alcohol in the evening
- Treating related sleep issues, such as sleep apnea
Your dentist can help you explore these options alongside your night guard treatment.
Teeth grinding is common, but its long-term effects don’t have to be. A night guard is a simple, effective tool to protect your dental health especially when it’s custom-fitted by a professional. Investing in your smile now can prevent significant pain and costly repairs down the road.
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, worn teeth, or persistent headaches, don’t wait. Contact your dentist today about night guards and start protecting your teeth while you sleep.
