Are you waking up with jaw pain or headaches? Has your partner told you that you grind your teeth at night? You might be wondering if you need a night guard.
This is a great question, but the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. Not everyone who grinds their teeth needs a night guard. In fact, some people shouldn’t use them at all.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your teeth and health.
What Is Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding (called bruxism) happens when you clench or grind your teeth without meaning to. Most people do this while they sleep, but it can also happen during the day.
Many people don’t even know they grind their teeth until someone tells them or their dentist points it out during a checkup.
Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth
Here are the most common signs that you might be grinding your teeth at night:
Physical Signs:
- Waking up with jaw pain or stiffness
- Morning headaches, especially around your temples
- Teeth that look worn down, flat, or chipped
- Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tight or sore muscles in your face, neck, or shoulders
What Others Notice:
- Your partner hears grinding or clicking sounds while you sleep
- Your jaw “clicks” when you open or close your mouth
- You have trouble opening your mouth wide
Sleep Problems:
- You wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Your partner’s sleep is disturbed by the noise
If you have several of these signs, it’s time to talk to your dentist about what’s going on.
Do All Teeth Grinders Need Night Guards?
This might surprise you, but the answer is no. Research shows that night guards don’t actually stop you from grinding your teeth. What they do is protect your teeth from getting damaged while you grind.
Think of it like wearing a helmet while riding a bike. The helmet doesn’t stop you from falling, but it protects your head if you do fall.
When You SHOULD Use a Night Guard
A night guard might be right for you if:
- Your teeth are getting damaged (chips, cracks, or wear)
- You wake up with jaw pain most mornings
- You have headaches that your doctor thinks are from teeth grinding
- Your dentist sees signs of damage during your regular dental check-ups
When You Should NOT Use a Standard Night Guard
Here’s something many people don’t know: some people should avoid regular night guards. You should talk to a sleep specialist before using a night guard if you:
- Snore loudly or stop breathing during sleep
- Feel very tired during the day, even after sleeping all night
- Have been told you might have sleep apnea
- Wake up gasping for air
Why? Because sleep apnea and teeth grinding often happen together. A regular night guard can make sleep apnea worse, which is dangerous for your health.
If you have sleep apnea, you might need a special type of mouth guard that helps keep your airway open instead of a regular night guard.
Types of Night Guards: What's the Difference?
If you decide you need a night guard, you have three main options:
Store-Bought Guards
These are the cheapest option, but they don’t fit well. They can be bulky and uncomfortable. Some people find they grind even more with these guards. Many people will have worsening symptoms with this type of mouth guard.
Online Custom Guards
You take impressions of your teeth at home and mail them to a company. They make a guard just for you. This is better than store-bought but not as good as getting one from your dentist. All night guards will need adjustment and this one can not be adjusted.
Dentist-Made Guards
These fit the best and last the longest. Your dentist takes perfect impressions and can adjust the guard. Regular adjustments are needed to ensure they are working well. Most dental insurance covers part of the cost.
Hard vs. Soft Night Guards: This Matters More Than You Think
If you do get a night guard, make sure it’s made from hard material, not soft. Here’s why:
Soft guards can actually make you grind MORE. Your brain thinks the soft material is food and tries to chew it. Hard guards are less comfortable at first, but they train your jaw muscles to relax.
What About Sleep Apnea?
This is really important for adults. Many people who grind their teeth also have sleep breathing problems.
Studies show that up to 50% of adults with sleep apnea also grind their teeth. Your body might be grinding to try to open your airway and help you breathe better during sleep.
Signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Stopping breathing during sleep
- Feeling tired all day
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor about a sleep study before getting a night guard.
Other Ways to Help Teeth Grinding
Night guards aren’t the only solution. Here are other things that can help:
Reduce Stress:
- Try relaxation techniques before bed
- Exercise regularly (but not right before sleep)
- Consider counseling if stress is a big problem
Better Sleep Habits:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark
Jaw Exercises:
- Gentle jaw stretches
- Massage your jaw muscles
- Avoid chewing gum during the day
When to See Your Dentist
You should schedule an appointment if you:
- Wake up with jaw pain or headaches regularly
- Notice your teeth are getting worn down
- Have any signs of teeth grinding
- Want to discuss if a night guard is right for you
At Northland Smiles, our team can do a thorough examination to see if teeth grinding is causing problems. Dr. Urrutia will check for signs of damage and help you decide on the best treatment.
The Bottom Line
So, do you need a night guard for teeth grinding? It depends on:
- Are your teeth getting damaged? If yes, a night guard can help protect them.
- Do you have jaw pain or headaches? A night guard might give you relief.
- Do you have signs of sleep apnea? See a doctor first before getting a night guard.
- Are you willing to wear it every night? Night guards only work if you use them.
The most important thing is to find out WHY you’re grinding your teeth. Sometimes fixing the root cause (like sleep apnea or stress) can reduce or stop the grinding altogether.
Take Action for Your Health
If you think you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait. The sooner you address it, the better you can protect your teeth and health.
Ready to find out if you need a night guard? Contact our Calgary dental clinic to schedule an appointment. We serve the northwest Calgary area and would love to help you get better sleep and protect your smile.
For dental emergencies related to teeth grinding damage, we also offer emergency dental services with same-day appointments.
Remember, every person is different. What works for your friend or family member might not be right for you. The best way to know if you need a night guard is to talk to a dental professional who can examine your specific situation.
For more information about sleep apnea and teeth grinding, visit the Sleep Foundation’s guide to bruxism.
