Jaw pain or tenderness, worn or chipped teeth and fillings, headaches, neck pain, teeth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, and painful ears…all these can be signs that you just might need a night guard. What if you could both protect your teeth from grinding and clenching, and also get relief from the above symptoms?
What are Night Guards?
Night guards are the primary treatment recommendation for teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) by the American Dental Association (ADA MouthHealthy, Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain). Night guards are custom-fit dental appliances worn over your teeth during sleep to protect you against teeth grinding and clenching. They help prevent tooth wear, gum recession, enamel erosion, tooth fractures, and jaw strain. They do this by creating a tough, flexible cushion between the upper and lower teeth.
Specific Benefits:
While some benefits of night guards have already been mentioned, specific benefits include:
- Prevents damage: They help shield tooth enamel from wearing down, chipping, or cracking.
- Reduces pain: They help alleviate jaw soreness, muscle tension, and morning headaches.
- Protects dental work: They prevent excessive stress on crowns, bridges, and implants.
- Protects gums: Night guards can help protect gums, as grinding/clenching can cause gum recession, which could lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.
Custom-Made vs. Over-the-Counter Night Guards:
While over-the-counter night guards exist, they do not provide a precise fit, even pressure distribution, and the same safe materials. In fact, if a night guard doesn’t fit properly, it can cause teeth to shift or jaw pain to worsen. Additionally, soft, over-the-counter night guards can actually stimulate even more grinding and clenching. Our custom-made night guards use digital scans which allow for an accurate fit.
Boulevard Dental Associates is here to evaluate your possible need for a night guard. Even if you are not currently aware of any of the above difficulties or symptoms, that does not mean that you are not a candidate. Night guards can do so much to prevent future dental problems. And of course, they may also provide you with some much-needed relief!
Reference:
ADA MouthHealthy. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain. Accessed September 14, 2026. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-grinding.