Your teeth weren’t designed to do overtime, least of all when you’re sleeping. But for many, the nighttime grind is more than a metaphor. Waking up with tension in the jaw, sensitive teeth, or morning headaches may be a sign of a greater dental problem: bruxism, or habitual teeth grinding. And though it may not feel like it’s doing any harm, bruxism can quietly erode enamel, crack molars, and cause chronic jaw pain.

But the thing is: many people don’t even realize it’s happening. That’s where nightguards come in—quietly stepping in as protectors during your sleep.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Grinding teeth often has to do with daily stress, sleeping disorders, or misaligned bites. Over time, the grinding pressure leads to:

• Worn-out enamel leaves exposed sensitive inner layers of your teeth at risk
• Chips or cracks in premolars and molars
• Overworked, stiff jaw muscles
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
• Sleep disturbance

Dentists in Burke recommend treating bruxism early. That’s not just to save teeth, though, but also to improve the quality of your sleep and reduce long-term jaw tension.

What Is a Nightguard?

A nightguard is a dentist-made, custom-fitted dental appliance constructed of medical-grade materials that is worn over your upper or lower teeth. Professional guards are made to fit your bite, providing increased comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter types.

Why? It works as a cushion between your teeth, dissipating the pressure of grinding and clenching. It’s a mouth shock absorber, preventing damage and allowing jaw muscles to relax at night.

How Nightguards Prevent Teeth Grinding?

Here’s what the science says:

1. Stress Distribution

Nightguards distribute the biting force throughout the whole mouth, avoiding concentrated wear and microfractures on single teeth. That reduces the risk of long-term structural compromise.

2. Muscle Relief

By subtly shifting the jaw position, nightguards relieve some tension from muscles. Less tension in the masseter muscles means less morning headache and soreness.

3. Prevention of TMJ Strain

A well-designed nightguard relieves stress from the temporomandibular joint. That’s important for the prevention of chronic TMJ disorders and inflammation.

4. Enamel Preservation

Since enamel does not grow back, every little bit helps. A nightguard acts as a buffer, preventing the teeth from grinding on each other.

Who Should Get a Nightguard?

You might want a nightguard if you:

• Wake up with sore jaws or facial strain
• Have chipped or flattened teeth
• Experienced morning earaches or tension headaches
• Have teeth grinding damage reported by your dentist

In most cases, your dentist can include mouth guards as part of your treatment plan to prevent teeth grinding from causing permanent damage.

Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

Teeth grinding isn’t just reducing your smile—it subtly grinds down your overall well-being, too. A custom-made nightguard from a professional can shield your teeth, reduce pain, and help you sleep more peacefully.

If you’re noticing signs of bruxism or just want to prevent teeth grinding before damage is done, let’s talk. Schedule an appointment with our trusted dentist today—and provide your teeth with the gentle support they need.