Should You Use a Mouthguard at Night?
Posted on 8/15/2025 by Premier Dental Center |
 Do you wake up with jaw pain or morning headaches? Do you notice your teeth are wearing down or chipping? If so, you might benefit from wearing a mouthguard at night.
Nighttime mouthguards, also called dental guards or occlusal guards, are custom-made appliances that fit over your upper or lower teeth. They create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from grinding and clenching while you sleep.
Why Do I Grind My Teeth?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can happen during the day or night, and many people aren't even aware they do it. Some of the causes of teeth grinding can include:
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Stress: When you're stressed, your body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode, which can manifest as teeth grinding. |
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Anxiety: Similar to stress, anxiety can also trigger teeth grinding as a way to release tension. |
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Sleep disorders: Certain sleep disorders like sleep apnea can lead to increased muscle activity during sleep, including teeth grinding. |
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Medications: Some medications can have side effects that increase teeth grinding. |
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Genetics: Some people are simply more predisposed to grinding their teeth than others. |
What Happens if I Don't Wear a Nightguard?
If you grind your teeth at night and don't use a mouthguard, you may experience several problems, including:
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Worn-down teeth: Over time, grinding can wear down your teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping, cracking, and even breaking. This can lead to the need for extensive restorative dentistry, which can be costly and time-consuming. |
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Jaw pain: The constant pressure and friction from grinding can put a lot of strain on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. This can even lead to problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). |
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Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of teeth grinding, as the tension in your jaw muscles can radiate up to your head. |
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Earaches: The pain from your jaw joint can also radiate to your ears, causing discomfort and even tinnitus (ringing in the ears). |
How Do Nightguards Help?
Nightguards are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and jaw from the harmful effects of nighttime teeth grinding. By creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, they absorb the forces of grinding and reduce the wear on your teeth. This can help to:
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Prevent tooth wear and damage: Nightguards can help to preserve your natural teeth and reduce the need for future restorative dentistry. |
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Reduce jaw pain and discomfort: By absorbing the pressure from grinding, nightguards can help to alleviate jaw pain and reduce headaches and earaches. |
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Improve your sleep: By reducing the noise and discomfort associated with teeth grinding, nightguards can help you sleep more soundly. |
Who Should Wear a Nightguard?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from wearing a nightguard:
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Jaw pain or stiffness |
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Headaches |
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Earaches |
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Worn-down or chipped teeth |
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Clicking or popping sound in your jaw |
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Teeth sensitivity |
How Can I Get a Nightguard?
Nightguards are typically custom-made by your dentist. During an appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and then create a mouthguard that fits comfortably and protects your teeth effectively. Some dentists also offer boil-and-bite mouthguards available over-the-counter at drugstores. However, these may not fit as well as a custom-made mouthguard and may not be as effective in preventing teeth grinding.
Conclusion
Wearing a nightguard is a simple and effective way to protect your teeth, jaw, and overall health. If you experience symptoms of teeth grinding at night, talk to your dentist about whether a mouthguard is right for you. It could save you from future pain and costly dental procedures.
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