Many people grind or clench their teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. Over time, this can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations. Night guards, also called grinding guards or occlusal splints, are a common solution designed to protect teeth and relieve discomfort.

How Night Guards Help

1. Protect Teeth from Wear
   Night guards create a cushion between upper and lower teeth, preventing enamel erosion and reducing the risk of fractures or chips.

2. Reduce Jaw and Muscle Pain
   By minimizing the force of grinding and clenching, night guards help alleviate jaw soreness, tension, and related headaches.

3. Prevent Damage to Dental Work
   Night guards protect crowns, bridges, and fillings from excessive pressure caused by bruxism.

4. Promote Better Sleep
   By reducing jaw tension, many patients report improved sleep quality and less morning discomfort.

Types of Night Guards

• Soft Night Guards: Comfortable for mild teeth grinding, often easier to adapt to.

• Hard or Dual-Laminate Night Guards: More durable and suitable for moderate to severe grinding.

• Custom-Made Night Guards: Created by a dentist to precisely fit your teeth for maximum protection and comfort.

Patient Case Example

A 28-year-old patient complained of morning jaw pain and frequent headaches. Examination revealed worn enamel on the molars, consistent with nighttime teeth grinding.

We recommended a custom hard night guard for nightly use. Within one month, the patient reported significant reduction in jaw soreness and fewer headaches. Over six months, the wear on his teeth was minimized, and his overall comfort improved greatly.

Tips for Using a Night Guard

• Wear the guard every night as instructed by your dentist.

• Clean the night guard daily to maintain hygiene.

• Schedule follow-up visits to adjust the fit as needed.

✅ In summary: Night guards are an effective tool to protect teeth, relieve jaw discomfort, and prevent long-term damage caused by teeth grinding. With proper use and regular dental supervision, patients can maintain oral health and enjoy greater comfort during sleep.