Guide
Do I need a night guard?
Most people who grind their teeth do it in their sleep and have no idea. Here are the signs — and when a night guard is worth it.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated
The signs
- You wake with a sore jaw, tight cheeks or a headache at the temples
- Your teeth look flatter or shorter than they used to, or have small chips at the edges
- Your teeth are sensitive, or fillings and crowns keep cracking
- Your jaw clicks, or feels tired after chewing
- Someone has heard you grinding
Who should wear one
Anyone who grinds or clenches at night. A night guard matters most if you have — or are planning — porcelain veneers, crowns, implants or a full arch of fixed teeth, because grinding can chip porcelain and overload what you have invested in.
Store-bought or custom
Store-bought guards are bulky and fit loosely, so many people stop wearing them. A custom guard is thin, made to fit your teeth exactly and balanced to your bite, so it's comfortable enough to wear every night. See night guards & TMJ.
What else helps
- Less caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Noticing clenching during the day — lips together, teeth apart
- For strong clenching muscles, Botox
Grinding is sometimes linked with sleep apnea. If you snore loudly or wake up tired, Dr. Rodriguez will recommend a sleep study.
FAQs
Can a night guard fix TMJ pain?
Should I wear it during the day?
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