If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or notice your teeth look more worn than they used to, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night without even realizing it. Here's how to know if a night guard could help.

What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Unlike on-size-fits-all versions sold at drugstores, a dentist-made night guard is molded specifically to your bite for a more comfortable, effective fit.

Signs Your Might Need a Night Guard

• Waking up with jaw soreness or tightness
• Frequent morning headaches, especially around the temples
• Worn, flattend, or chipped teeth your dentist notices during checkups
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• A partner mentioning you grind your teeth at night
• Clicking or popping in your jaw join (TMJ)
• Tension in your neck or shoulders upon waking

Many people who grind their teeth aren't aware of it, since it happens during sleep which is why dentists are often the first to catch the signs during a routine exam.

Why Grinding Is a Bigger Deal Than It Seems

Teeth grinding puts significant pressure on your teeth, far more than normal chewing. Over time, this can lead to:

• Worn-down, flattened tooth surfaces
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Loosened teeth or damaged dental work (crowns, fillings)
• Jaw joing (TMJ) pain and dysfunction
• Chronic headaches

Many people who grind their teeth aren't aware of it, since it happens during sleep which is why dentists are often the first to catch the signes during a routine exam.

Why Grinding Is a Bigger Deal Than It Seems

A custom night guard creates a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbing the pressure from grinding and clenching. This protects your enamel and existing dental work, and can also help relax jaw muscles, reducing morning soreness and headaches.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Night Guards

Custom (dentist-made):

• Molded to your exact bite for a precise, comfortable fit
• More durable and long-lasting
• Better protection since it stays securely in place all night

Store-bought (boil-and-bite):

• Bulkier, less precise fit
• Can shift out of place during sleep
• Wears out faster and may not address underlying bite issues

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Common contributors include stress, anxiety, misaligned bite, sleep disorders, and certain medications. Identifying the cause alongside wearing a night guard can help address the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Getting Fitted for a Night Guard

Getting a custom night guard is simple. Your dentist takes an impression or digital scan of your teeth, and your guard is custom-made to fit your bite comfortably.

Waking up with jaw pain or headaches? Schedule an exam with Forest Family Dentistry at one of our Austin or Round Rock locations to see if a night guard is right for you.