Do you Need a Night Guard? 

A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that cushions your teeth while you sleep, acting as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. It helps prevent damage caused by grinding (bruxism) and reduces the force of clenching, allowing your jaw to stay more relaxed overnight. As a result, many patients wake up with less jaw pain, fewer headaches, and overall improved comfort.

Signs You May be Grinding your Teeth at Night

You may not realize you’re grinding your teeth while you sleep. Watch for these common signs of bruxism:

• Your partner hears you grinding at night

• Frequent waking or poor sleep quality

• Morning jaw pain or tightness

• Headaches upon waking

• Tooth sensitivity or pain

• Worn, cracked, or flattened molars

• Referred pain that feels like an earache

• Noticeable wear on tooth enamel or dental work

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.

Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

After an evaluation, your dentist can fit you with a custom night guard designed for comfort and effectiveness. A professionally made guard offers:

• A snug, comfortable fit that encourages consistent use

• Protection against worn enamel, cracked teeth, and damaged dental work

• Relief from jaw tension and related headaches

• Prevention of future costly dental procedures

Another way a night guard helps ease the pain is by reducing the amount that your jaw can clench. By preventing complete flexing of the jaw, a night guard helps keep your jaw more relaxed at night. You’ll wake up with less pain in your jaw and head.

Protect Your Smile

Once you begin using a night guard, your dentist can also repair any existing damage caused by bruxism—such as applying crowns to cracked teeth or replacing worn-down dental restorations. By wearing your guard regularly, you’ll reduce the risk of further damage and avoid the time and expense of future restorative work.

If you suspect nighttime teeth grinding, schedule a consultation. A night guard may be a simple solution to preserve your oral health and improve your comfort. Call our dentists in Scottsdale, AZ today if you suspect you may need a night guard.