Waking up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, or noticing your teeth appear worn down? These symptoms may indicate teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism. With a night guard—a custom-made dental appliance worn while you sleep — you can protect your teeth from the damage grinding causes, improve your sleep quality, and reduce jaw tension so you can get back to eating and talking comfortably.

At Beechnut Dental Care, we help patients identify the signs of teeth grinding and provide effective solutions like night guards to protect their teeth and alleviate symptoms. Our trusted dental team offers comprehensive evaluations to determine whether a night guard would benefit you and creates custom-fitted options for optimal comfort and protection. With personalized, gentle care and our advanced technology, you can get the treatment you need to preserve your oral health and improve your quality of life.

Common Signs You May Need a Night Guard

Teeth grinding during sleep is a common condition that can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated. However, if you have this habit, you’re not alone. Over one in 10 adults grind their teeth and clench their jaw when they sleep. Signs that indicate you have bruxism and need a night guard to protect your teeth include the following:

Jaw Pain and Fatigue

Do you wake up with soreness in your jaw? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and excessive grinding puts significant pressure on this joint. Morning jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth may suggest nighttime grinding. You may also feel jaw discomfort throughout the day as muscles stay tense from nighttime grinding. A night guard can help relieve this tension and make daily activities less painful.

Headaches and Facial Pain

Frequent morning headaches, particularly around the temples, are a common sign of bruxism. The continuous muscle tension from grinding can trigger tension headaches that may extend to your neck and shoulders. You may also experience facial pain or earaches with no apparent cause. Wearing a night guard to sleep helps prevent teeth grinding that can lead to this symptom.

Visible Tooth Damage

Grinding your teeth can physically wear them down, which may change how they look. You may need a night guard to protect your teeth from further damage if you notice the following:

• Flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Teeth that appear shorter than they used to be

We can help identify these signs during regular dental checkups, making routine appointments crucial for early detection.

Sleep Disruption

Does your sleep partner complain about grinding sounds coming from your side of the bed? The loud noises bruxism produces can cause you to wake up frequently and feel unrested, no matter how many hours of sleep you get. This can significantly impact your ability to focus and remain alert and energized throughout the day. 

What to Expect When Getting a Night Guard

If you experience bruxism symptoms, we closely examine your teeth, identify the root cause of your teeth grinding, and determine your treatment options, which may include a night guard. If you decide to get a night guard, we take the following steps to ensure your appliance fits comfortably and works effectively to protect your teeth:

Taking Dental Impressions

Our professional team takes precise impressions of your teeth, which capture the exact shape and alignment of your teeth. The results act as a mold for your night guard. We send the impressions to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication.

Custom Fabrication

Your dental impressions help create a night guard that precisely fits your teeth. The fabrication process usually takes 1-2 weeks, during which dental technicians craft your appliance using durable, medical-grade materials. The night guard is designed for your mouth’s unique contours, ensuring optimal fit and effectiveness.

Fitting and Adjustments

When your night guard is ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. We’ll place the night guard in your mouth to check the fit and make necessary adjustments. During this visit, we’ll provide detailed instructions on wearing and caring for your night guard to ensure it remains effective and hygienic.

Get Relief from Teeth Grinding with the Caring Team at Beechnut Dental Care

If you’re experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of teeth grinding, don’t wait until permanent damage occurs. At Beechnut Dental Care, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluations to determine if a night guard is right for you. We create custom-fitted night guards designed for optimal comfort and protection, helping you wake up pain-free.

Our practice combines the latest dental technology with personalized care to address your unique needs. With convenient appointment times, a comfortable, welcoming environment, and financial plan options, we make it easy to get the treatment you need. Contact us today at (713) 839-0900 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.