5 Reasons Why You Might Need a Night Guard

A good night’s sleep is important for your health. But what if something you do while sleeping is hurting your teeth? If you’ve been waking up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth, it might be time to consider a night guard.

Also known as a dental guard or mouthguard, a night guard is a custom-made device that you wear over your teeth while sleeping. It helps protect your teeth and jaw from unconscious habits that can cause long-term damage.

In this post, we’ll explore five common reasons why you might need a night guard and how it can benefit your oral health. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, night guards are important. They can help you avoid expensive dental work later

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a specially designed oral appliance that fits over your teeth while you sleep. It acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. Night guards are usually made from strong, high-quality plastic. Your dentist custom-fits them for comfort and effectiveness.

Signs You Might Need a Night Guard

You may benefit from a night guard if you experience:

• Frequent headaches or jaw soreness in the morning
• Worn-down, chipped, or cracked teeth
• Sensitive teeth without an obvious cause
• Tension or pain in your neck, shoulders, or face
• Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw

Many people don’t realize they grind or clench their teeth until their dentist notices the damage. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important.

5 Reasons You Might Need A Night Guard

1. You Grind Your Teeth at Night (Bruxism)

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one of the most common reasons dentists recommend a night guard. Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without even realizing it. Over time, this habit can wear down the enamel, chip or crack your teeth, and even lead to tooth sensitivity.

Signs you might be grinding your teeth include:

• Waking up with a sore jaw or headache
• Flattened or worn-down teeth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Disturbed sleep

A night guard acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. It helps absorb the pressure from grinding, protecting your teeth from further wear and reducing muscle tension in your jaw.

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2. You Clench Your Jaw (Sleep Clenching)

Jaw clenching is slightly different from teeth grinding but can be just as damaging. Clenching involves tightly tensing the jaw muscles without necessarily grinding the teeth. It often happens during times of stress or while sleeping.

Consistent jaw clenching can cause:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Tension headaches
• Facial soreness
• Damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings

Wearing a night guard helps relieve pressure on your jaw muscles. It acts as a physical barrier, helping you avoid the destructive force that clenching can exert on your teeth and jaw.

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3. You Wake Up with Headaches or Jaw Pain

If you often wake up with headaches or pain in your temples and jaw, you may be grinding your teeth at night. These actions put stress on the muscles around your head and face.

A night guard can help reduce this muscle tension and prevent these symptoms. A night guard creates a cushion for your teeth. It absorbs pressure and helps you sleep better. You can wake up feeling refreshed instead of sore.

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4. You Have TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

TMJ disorder affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. This condition can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

Many people with TMJ disorder grind or clench their teeth, which worsens the symptoms. A night guard can help by:

• Reducing jaw tension
• Realigning your bite slightly to relieve stress on the TMJ
• Preventing further joint damage

If you suspect you have TMJ disorder, it’s important to consult your dentist or a TMJ specialist. A custom night guard may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

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5. You Want to Protect Your Dental Work

If you’ve invested in dental crowns, veneers, or bridges, it makes sense to protect that investment. Grinding or clenching can damage dental work just as easily as it can harm natural teeth.

A night guard helps preserve the integrity of your dental restorations. It acts as a shield, making sure your money and effort for your smile are not wasted at night.

Types of Night Guards

There are several types of night guards, including:

• Custom-fitted guards: Made by your dentist using a mold of your teeth. These offer the best fit and comfort.
• Boil-and-bite guards: Available at most pharmacies; they are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth.
• Stock guards: Pre-formed and ready to wear but offer the least comfort and protection.

While over-the-counter options are more affordable, custom night guards provide the most effective and long-lasting results.

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How to Know If You Need a Night Guard

If you suspect that you might benefit from a night guard, here are some signs to watch for:

• Your partner hears you grinding your teeth at night
• You experience jaw pain or tightness in the morning
• Your dentist notices signs of wear on your teeth
• You have frequent headaches that originate near the temples
• You’ve recently had expensive dental work

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Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard

Wearing a night guard can help:

• Protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding
• Relieve jaw pain and reduce pressure on your joints
• Prevent headaches and facial discomfort
• Improve sleep quality by reducing tension and discomfort
• Avoid costly dental work like crowns or fillings caused by tooth damage

Store-Bought vs. Custom Night Guards

While you can find over-the-counter night guards at pharmacies, they are not one-size-fits-all. These generic options can be bulky, uncomfortable, and may not provide the protection your teeth need.

At MKR Dental in Richmond, Texas, we create custom night guards that are perfectly shaped to fit your unique bite. This ensures a better fit, more comfort, and greater effectiveness in protecting your smile.

Protect Your Smile with a Night Guard

Night guards are a simple but powerful tool in preventing long-term damage to your teeth and jaw. If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or have TMJ disorder, a night guard can help. It can improve your oral health and overall well-being.

Schedule Your Night Guard Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding or clenching, don’t wait until the damage is done. A custom night guard can protect your smile, improve your comfort, and save you money in the long run.

MKR Dental – Richmond, Texas
We’re here to help you sleep better and smile brighter.

Book your consultation online today or call us at (281) 698-0894 to schedule an appointment. Let’s take care of your teeth—day and night.