Many people grind and clench their teeth at night without realizing it. They wake up with jaw soreness, morning headaches, and teeth that feel sensitive. If you have noticed these symptoms and are searching for solutions, finding a dentist near you that offers mouth guard therapy can be life-changing.
Teeth clenching, also called bruxism, damages your teeth and jaw if left untreated. A custom-made mouth guard is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth while you sleep. If you have been wondering whether mouth guards near you are right for you, understanding how they work and what benefits they provide helps you make an informed decision.
What Is Teeth Clenching?
Teeth clenching and grinding are when you clench your jaw or grind your teeth together, usually while sleeping. This happens unconsciously — most people do not realize they are doing it.
The forces involved are significant. Normal chewing applies about 200 pounds of pressure. Grinding can apply three times that much force, creating damage that accumulates night after night.
Clenching often happens during stressful periods or when you are anxious. Some people clench during the day while concentrating or stressed.
Causes of Teeth Clenching
Understanding causes of teeth clenching helps you identify whether you might have this problem.
- Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers. When you are worried or tense, your jaw clenches unconsciously.
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea contribute to grinding patterns.
- Certain medications can increase grinding and clenching.
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially in the evening, trigger clenching.
- Misaligned teeth or bite problems create grinding patterns.
- Genetics play a role—clenching often runs in families.
The Damage Clenching Causes
Without protection, teeth clenching causes serious damage.
- Your teeth wear down progressively. The chewing surfaces become flattened. Enamel is worn away unevenly.
- Cracks and fractures develop as repeated grinding stresses your teeth.
- Teeth become sensitive as enamel wears and the sensitive dentin beneath is exposed.
- Your jaw joint develops pain and clicking from constant tension.
- Morning headaches result from jaw muscle fatigue and tension.
- Over years, untreated clenching can lead to tooth loss and the need for extensive restorative work.
How Mouth Guards Help
A custom mouthguard is a protective device worn during sleep that prevents tooth-to-tooth contact and acts as a jaw-clenching treatment.
- When you clench or grind, your teeth grind against the guard instead of each other. The guard absorbs the force protecting your natural teeth from damage.
- Custom-made mouth guards fit your mouth precisely, providing superior protection compared to store-bought guards.
- Most people notice improvement within days. Morning soreness decreases. Headaches reduce or disappear. Within weeks, the jaw feels noticeably more relaxed.
Types of Mouth Guards Available
Several types of mouth guards address clenching problems.
- A custom mouth guard is made from precise impressions of your teeth. It fits exactly and stays in place throughout the night. This is the most effective option.
- A soft mouth guard is comfortable and gentle on your teeth and jaw.
- A hard mouth guard provides maximum protection and durability but is less comfortable than soft guards.
- A hybrid mouth guard combines soft and hard materials for comfort and protection.
- Your dental clinic in Burnaby will recommend the type best suited to your needs.
Getting Your Custom Mouth Guard
- The process is simple and takes two appointments.
- Your dentist takes impressions or digital scans of your teeth.
- A lab creates a custom guard fitted precisely to your mouth.
- At your second appointment, the guard is fitted and adjusted for comfort.
- You wear it nightly to prevent grinding damage.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
- Proper care extends the life of your guard.
- Rinse it daily with cool water.
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, never use toothpaste.
- Soak it overnight in denture solution.
- Store it in a ventilated case.
- Bring it to dental visits for assessment.
- Replace it as recommended, typically every 3 to 5 years.
Protect Your Teeth and Your Sleep — Burnaby Square Dental Is Here for You
Teeth clenching is treatable. A custom mouth guard stops the damage, eliminates the pain, and protects your teeth for the rest of your life.
At our Burnaby Square Dental office, our team can create a custom mouth guard designed for you. Set an appointment with us today and commence the journey of teeth protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if I am grinding my teeth at night?
Common signs include morning jaw soreness, facial pain, worn-down teeth, increased sensitivity, chips or cracks in your teeth, and morning headaches—your dentist can also identify grinding damage during checkups.
Q2: How long does a custom mouth guard last with proper care?
With proper care—rinsing daily and storing in a clean case—a custom mouthguard typically lasts 3 to 5 years before needing replacement due to normal wear and tear.
Q3: How long does it take to adjust to wearing a custom mouth guard?
Most people adjust within one to three nights—custom guards are designed to be comfortable, and many patients find that the reduction in jaw pain and morning discomfort makes them want to keep wearing it immediately.
Q4: Will a mouth guard change how I sleep or affect my breathing?
A properly fitted custom mouthguard should not interfere with sleep or breathing—it sits on your teeth and allows normal jaw movement and breathing throughout the night.
