Many people wake up with a sore jaw, morning headaches, or teeth that feel sensitive without a clear reason. These common signs can point to bruxism, the medical term for repetitive jaw clenching and tooth grinding. While bruxism may occur during the day, it frequently happens during sleep, when conscious control is absent and muscular activity can intensify unnoticed.
Bruxism is typically multi-factorial. Stress and anxiety are frequent contributors, increasing muscle tension that carries over into sleep. Other influences include sleep-disordered breathing, medications, and the way your teeth come together — an uneven bite or missing teeth can change jaw mechanics and promote grinding. Genetics and lifestyle factors such as caffeine or alcohol use can also play a role.
Recognizing bruxism early matters because persistent grinding places abnormal forces on teeth, gums, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Over time these forces can lead to enamel wear, chipped restorations, jaw discomfort, and disturbed sleep. Understanding the underlying drivers helps guide a tailored plan for protection and symptom relief.
A night guard is a simple, effective appliance designed to be worn over the teeth while sleeping. Its primary purpose is to create a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth so they no longer grind against one another. By redistributing and absorbing the forces of clenching, a night guard reduces the risk of cracked teeth, worn enamel, and damage to dental work.
Beyond protecting tooth structure, night guards help relieve muscle strain and lower stress on the TMJ. For many patients, this translates into fewer morning headaches, less jaw tightness, and more comfortable sleep. Because the appliance keeps the jaws slightly separated, it can also interrupt the habitual patterns that perpetuate bruxism, giving muscles a chance to relax.
Wearing a night guard is often one component of a broader approach to managing bruxism. While it does not cure underlying causes such as stress or sleep apnea, it serves as a practical and immediate measure to prevent further dental damage and improve daily comfort while other factors are addressed.
Night guards are available in many forms, from soft boil-and-bite kits sold in stores to laboratory-made appliances crafted by dental professionals. Over-the-counter options can be a convenient short-term choice, but they typically offer a one-size-fits-many fit that may not fully protect against strong grinding or provide long-term comfort.
Custom night guards made at a dental office are created from precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. This individualized fit improves retention, reduces sore spots, and ensures the appliance aligns the jaw in a way that minimizes strain. Materials used in clinical settings are chosen for durability and the ability to withstand heavier clenching forces.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on the severity of a patient’s bruxism, comfort needs, and long-term goals for dental health. For patients experiencing significant wear, complex restorations, or persistent jaw pain, a professionally made night guard is usually the more protective and sustainable option.
An appointment for a custom night guard typically begins with a focused evaluation of dental wear, bite relationships, and any TMJ symptoms. We’ll ask about sleep quality, morning discomfort, and daily habits that can influence bruxism. This assessment helps determine whether a night guard alone is appropriate or if additional investigations — for example, a sleep study referral — are recommended.
If a custom appliance is indicated, the next step is capturing an accurate record of your teeth. Many practices now use digital scans, though traditional impressions remain effective. These records allow the dental lab to fabricate a snug, comfortable appliance tailored to your bite. The process is straightforward and designed to minimize chair time while ensuring a precise fit.
When your night guard is ready, we’ll confirm fit and make any minor adjustments for optimal comfort. We provide instructions on how to wear and care for the appliance and discuss follow-up visits to monitor its condition and your symptoms. Regular check-ins ensure the device continues to serve its protective role effectively over time.
Proper care extends the life of a night guard and keeps it hygienic. Rinse the appliance after use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush; avoid harsh chemicals or hot water that can warp the material. Store the guard in a ventilated case when not in use to prevent bacterial buildup and accidental damage.
Monitor the night guard and your mouth for signs that adjustments are needed: increased looseness, new pressure points, or persistent jaw pain. Because bruxism patterns can change, routine dental visits are important so your provider can assess both the appliance and any wear on teeth or restorations that may require attention.
Combining night-guard use with strategies to address contributing factors yields the best outcomes. Stress-reduction techniques, sleep hygiene improvements, and evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing all support long-term relief. When managed proactively, patients can protect their smiles, reduce discomfort, and preserve dental work for years to come.
At Paparian Dental Associates, our team focuses on helping patients understand bruxism and offering protective, evidence-informed solutions like custom night guards. If you suspect nighttime grinding or are experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or disrupted sleep, contact us to learn more about how a night guard could help. We’re happy to discuss options and develop a plan that fits your needs.
Bruxism is the medical term for repetitive jaw clenching and tooth grinding that often occurs during sleep. Persistent bruxism can wear tooth enamel, damage restorations, and place excess stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A night guard acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent direct tooth-to-tooth contact and reduce destructive forces.
By redistributing and absorbing clenching pressures, a properly fitted night guard helps limit enamel loss and the risk of chips or fractures. The appliance also reduces muscle strain, which can translate into fewer morning headaches and less jaw tightness. While a night guard does not cure underlying causes, it is an effective tool to protect dental health while other factors are addressed.
Common signs of nighttime grinding include waking with a sore or tired jaw, frequent morning headaches, and increased tooth sensitivity. Many patients also notice flattened, chipped, or worn tooth surfaces when examined by a dentist. A partner may report hearing grinding or clicking sounds during sleep, which can be an important clue.
Some people experience pain or stiffness in the face and neck that recurs in the morning or after periods of stress. Dental restorations such as crowns and fillings may show unexpected wear or loosening over time. If you observe these signs, a clinical exam can determine whether a night guard is an appropriate protective measure.
Bruxism is typically multi-factorial, with stress and anxiety commonly increasing muscle tension that persists into sleep. Other contributors include sleep-disordered breathing, certain medications, caffeine or alcohol use, and the way teeth occlude or fit together. Genetic predisposition and lifestyle influences can also affect who develops bruxism.
Dental factors such as missing teeth or an uneven bite may change jaw mechanics and encourage grinding in some patients. Because the causes vary, a comprehensive assessment helps identify contributing issues and guide a tailored management plan. Addressing modifiable factors alongside protective appliances provides the best chance for long-term symptom relief.
Over-the-counter night guards are generally boil-and-bite or ready-made appliances designed to fit many mouths, but they often offer a less precise fit. Custom night guards are made from detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth, producing an appliance that matches your bite and provides better retention. The individualized fit reduces sore spots and improves comfort during prolonged use.
Materials used for custom guards are selected for durability and the ability to withstand stronger clenching forces, which makes them more appropriate for patients with moderate to severe bruxism. Custom appliances also allow clinicians to adjust occlusion and jaw position in ways that store-bought guards cannot. For patients with extensive dental work or persistent symptoms, professionally made guards are usually the more protective option.
An appointment for a custom night guard begins with a focused evaluation of dental wear, bite relationships, and any TMJ symptoms. Your provider will ask about sleep quality, morning discomfort, and daily habits that might influence bruxism to determine whether a night guard alone is appropriate. The examination may include digital imaging or impressions to record your teeth accurately.
If a custom appliance is indicated, the records are used by the dental laboratory to fabricate a snug, comfortable guard tailored to your occlusion. When the night guard is ready, we verify fit and make any minor adjustments to eliminate pressure points. You will also receive instructions on wear time, care, and follow-up visits to monitor the appliance and your symptoms.
Rinse your night guard with cool water immediately after removing it each morning and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove debris. Avoid hot water, abrasive toothpaste, and harsh chemicals that can warp or damage the material. Store the appliance in a ventilated case to allow drying and to protect it from accidental damage or contamination.
Periodic deep cleaning can be done with a nonabrasive denture cleaner or a solution recommended by your dental provider to control bacterial buildup. Inspect the guard regularly for cracks, thinning, or changes in fit that could reduce protection. Routine dental visits allow your clinician to assess both the appliance and any tooth or restoration changes that might require adjustment or replacement.
The lifespan of a night guard depends on material quality, the severity of grinding, and how well it is cared for, but signs of wear can appear over time. Look for visible thinning, cracks, areas of deformation, or a change in how the guard seats on your teeth. If the appliance becomes loose or creates new pressure points, it may no longer provide adequate protection.
Regular checkups allow your dentist to evaluate both the night guard and any ongoing dental wear to determine if replacement is needed. Changes in your bite, new restorations, or evolving bruxism patterns can all necessitate a new appliance. Prompt replacement when problems arise helps prevent further tooth damage and preserves oral comfort.
A night guard can reduce muscle strain and lower stress on the TMJ by keeping the jaws slightly separated and absorbing clenching forces. For many patients this translates into fewer morning headaches, less jaw tightness, and improved comfort. The appliance can interrupt habitual clenching patterns and give muscles a chance to relax during sleep.
While a night guard often provides symptomatic relief, it is not a cure for all causes of TMJ disorders or chronic headaches. Comprehensive care may include physical therapy, behavioral strategies for stress reduction, and evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing when appropriate. Collaboration between your dental team and other providers ensures a targeted approach to persistent symptoms.
Yes, night guards are commonly recommended for patients with crowns, bridges, implants, and other restorations to protect those investments from the forces of bruxism. A custom appliance can be designed to distribute biting forces away from vulnerable areas and reduce the risk of restoration failure. The precise fit of a professionally made guard also minimizes contact that could stress or dislodge dental work.
Your dentist will evaluate existing restorations and tailor the appliance design to accommodate them while maintaining occlusal balance. In some cases, adjustments to the guard or additional restorative care may be advised to optimize long-term outcomes. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure both the restorations and the night guard continue to function as intended.
If you suspect nighttime grinding or are experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or morning headaches, contact our Salem office to request an evaluation and discussion of options. During the visit we will perform a focused examination, review your medical and dental history, and determine whether a custom night guard is appropriate for your needs. Digital scans or impressions can be taken to fabricate an appliance that fits your bite precisely.
Once your night guard is delivered, we will confirm comfort and make any necessary adjustments, then schedule follow-up visits to monitor wear and symptoms. Our goal is to protect your smile while addressing contributing factors through a coordinated plan of care. Call (603) 893-1455 to arrange an appointment or to learn more about night guard solutions in Salem, N.H.
Our mission is simple: to deliver great oral health and the beautiful smile you deserve. We value your trust and are committed to exceeding your expectations with every solution we provide.
