In brief
A night guard is a thin plastic appliance worn over your upper or lower teeth while you sleep. It does not stop grinding or clenching (bruxism), but it takes the force so your teeth do not, which helps prevent wear, chips, cracks and sensitivity, and may ease jaw muscle strain. Custom night guards are made by a dentist from an impression or scan of your teeth, so they fit precisely, stay in place, are thinner and usually last longer. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards cost less but are bulkier, can shift during sleep and may not fit your bite well. If you have signs of grinding, such as morning jaw soreness, headaches, flattened or chipped teeth, a dental exam can confirm it and recommend the right guard.
Key takeaways
- Night guards protect teeth from grinding and clenching; they do not cure the habit.
- Signs of grinding include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth and sensitivity.
- Custom guards fit precisely, are thinner and more comfortable, and usually last longer than store-bought guards.
- Sports mouthguards are not designed for nightly wear.
- Loud snoring or gasping with grinding should be discussed with a physician, as it can be linked to sleep apnea.
Grinding and clenching your teeth, called bruxism, is very common, and much of it happens during sleep. Because it is unconscious, many people only find out when a partner hears it, when they wake with a sore jaw, or when their dentist notices worn or chipped teeth.
A night guard is the most common way to protect teeth from grinding. This guide explains the signs of night-time grinding, how a night guard helps, how custom guards compare with store-bought ones, and how to care for yours.
What is teeth grinding (bruxism)?
Bruxism is grinding, gnashing or clenching the teeth. It can happen while you are awake, often as clenching during concentration or stress, or while you sleep, which is when grinding tends to be strongest.
The forces involved can be far greater than normal chewing, and they repeat night after night. Over time that can wear down enamel, crack teeth and fillings, and tire the jaw muscles.
What are the signs you grind at night?
- a sore, tight or tired jaw when you wake
- dull headaches, especially at the temples, in the morning
- teeth that look flat, short or worn at the edges
- chipped or cracked teeth or fillings
- tooth sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets
- a scalloped edge along the sides of your tongue
- a ridge or marks on the inside of your cheeks
- clicking or discomfort in the jaw joint
- a partner hearing grinding noises at night
None of these on its own proves grinding, but several together are a strong hint. A dental exam can confirm it by looking at wear patterns on your teeth.
What causes grinding?
Grinding usually has more than one contributing factor:
- Stress and anxiety, the most commonly reported trigger
- Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea
- Caffeine, alcohol and smoking, particularly in the evening
- Some medications, including certain antidepressants
- Age, since grinding is common in children and often fades with time
- Family history
If you grind and also snore loudly, stop breathing or gasp during sleep, or feel exhausted during the day, speak with your physician. Grinding can be associated with sleep-disordered breathing, which needs its own assessment.
How does a night guard help?
A night guard is a thin, hard or layered plastic appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It works in three ways:
- It takes the wear, so the guard wears down instead of your enamel.
- It spreads the force across all your teeth instead of a few points, lowering the risk of chips and cracks.
- It can relax the jaw for some people by keeping the teeth slightly apart and the bite balanced.
A night guard does not cure grinding. Think of it as protection, used alongside steps to reduce the triggers.
Custom night guards vs store-bought guards
| Custom night guard (dentist-made) | Boil-and-bite guard | Stock guard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is made | From an impression or scan of your teeth, made in a dental lab | Softened in hot water and bitten into at home | Pre-formed, one shape |
| Fit | Precise to your teeth and bite | Moderate; can be uneven | Loose |
| Thickness | Thin and streamlined | Usually bulkier | Bulky |
| Stays in place during sleep | Yes | Can loosen or shift | Often falls out |
| Bite balance | Adjusted by your dentist | Not checked | Not checked |
| Durability | Usually several years | Often months | Short |
| Up-front cost | Higher | Low | Lowest |
The biggest differences are fit and bite. A poorly fitting guard can feel bulky, slip out, make you clench more or put uneven pressure on the jaw. A custom guard is adjusted so your teeth meet evenly on it, which matters for comfort and for the jaw joint.
Store-bought guards can be a short-term option while you wait for a custom guard, or for someone who grinds only occasionally. For regular grinding, most dentists recommend a custom guard.
Hard, soft or dual-layer?
Custom guards come in different materials. Hard acrylic guards are durable and easy to adjust. Soft guards can feel more comfortable at first but may encourage chewing on them for some people. Dual-layer guards have a soft inside and a hard outside. Your dentist will recommend a type based on how hard you grind, your bite and your comfort.
Night guard vs sports mouthguard
They are different appliances. A sports mouthguard is thick and cushioned to absorb a blow during play. A night guard is thinner and designed for hours of nightly wear while keeping your bite stable. Using a sports guard at night is usually uncomfortable and not recommended.
What happens when you get a custom night guard?
- Exam. Your dentist checks your teeth for wear, cracks and sensitivity, assesses your jaw joint and muscles, and asks about your sleep and symptoms.
- Impression or scan. A mould or digital scan of your teeth is taken.
- Fabrication. The guard is made to fit your teeth, usually in a dental lab.
- Fitting. At a second visit, your dentist checks the fit and adjusts the biting surface so your teeth meet evenly.
- Follow-up. You wear it for a few weeks and return if anything feels uneven or sore.
It is normal for a new guard to feel strange for the first few nights. Most people adjust within a week or two.
How to care for a night guard
- Rinse it with cool water every morning.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive cleaner. Toothpaste can scratch it.
- Let it air-dry, then store it in its ventilated case.
- Keep it away from hot water, dishwashers, car dashboards and direct sun, which can warp it.
- Keep it away from pets. Dogs love them.
- Bring it to your checkups so your dentist can check for wear, cracks or fit changes.
Replace or repair your guard if it cracks, develops holes from grinding, no longer fits snugly, or starts to smell even after cleaning.
Night guards and jaw pain
Grinding and clenching can contribute to jaw muscle pain and problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A well-fitted night guard may ease morning jaw soreness for some people. If you have jaw clicking, locking, pain when opening wide or pain that persists through the day, a TMJ assessment can help identify what is going on and whether a guard is the right approach.
Other ways to reduce grinding
- Limit caffeine in the afternoon and alcohol in the evening.
- Build a calm bedtime routine. Stress management helps many people.
- Notice daytime clenching. Lips together, teeth apart is the relaxed position.
- Avoid chewing gum or pens throughout the day, which keeps jaw muscles working.
- Talk to your physician if you snore heavily or feel unrested, or if you think a medication may be involved.
Night guards in Cornwall
At York Street Dental Centre, 118 York Street in Cornwall, we make custom nightguards fitted to your bite. We start by examining your teeth and jaw, explain whether grinding is likely and what damage we see, and talk through options and estimated fees before anything is made. Some dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a night guard, and our team can help you check your plan before you decide.
We see patients from across Cornwall, including downtown, Riverdale, Eamer’s Corners and Churchill Heights, as well as Lakeview Heights, St. Andrews West and Cornwall Island (Akwesasne). We are accepting new patients and offer direct billing for many insurance plans.
Book an appointment
Call York Street Dental Centre at (613) 932-1620 or request an appointment online to have your teeth and jaw checked. You can read more about our custom sportsguards and nightguards.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Many people do not know until a partner hears it or a dentist notices wear. Common clues are a sore or tired jaw in the morning, dull headaches near the temples, flattened or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and marks along the sides of your tongue or inside your cheeks.
Do night guards stop teeth grinding?
No. A night guard does not stop the habit, but it protects your teeth from the force. Some people find it reduces clenching or jaw muscle tension. Managing contributing factors, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol and sleep problems, can help reduce grinding itself.
Is a custom night guard worth it compared with a drugstore guard?
For regular grinding, usually yes. Custom guards fit your bite exactly, stay in place, are thinner and more comfortable, and often last years. Drugstore guards cost less up front but tend to be bulkier, wear through faster and may not keep your bite balanced. If cost is a concern, discuss options with your dentist.
Should a night guard go on the top or bottom teeth?
Either can work. Upper guards are most common, but your dentist may recommend a lower guard depending on your bite, comfort, gag reflex and other dental work.
How long does a custom night guard last?
It depends on how hard you grind and how you care for it. Many custom guards last several years. Bring yours to checkups so your dentist can check for thinning, cracks or changes in fit.
Can I use a sports mouthguard at night?
It is not recommended. Sports guards are thick and cushioned to absorb impact, which can be uncomfortable for sleep and may not keep your jaw in a stable position. A night guard is designed for nightly wear.
Do children need night guards?
Many children grind their teeth for a time, and it often stops on its own as their teeth and jaws develop. Because their mouths are still changing, night guards are not usually recommended for young children unless a dentist sees significant wear or pain.
Is teeth grinding related to sleep apnea?
It can be. Grinding is more common in people with sleep-disordered breathing. If you also snore loudly, stop breathing or gasp during sleep, or feel very tired during the day, talk to your physician about a sleep assessment.
Sources
About the author
This article was written by the York Street Dental Centre Team and reviewed for clinical accuracy by the York Street Dental Centre dental team. York Street Dental Centre is a family dental office at 118 York Street, Cornwall, Ontario K6J 3Y8, providing general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care for patients of all ages.
Our articles explain common dental questions in plain language, cite reputable health and government sources where relevant, and are updated when guidance changes. Read our editorial policy or learn more about our practice.
This content is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation from a dental professional.