06/05/2026
Do you wake up with jaw tension, headaches, sore teeth, or feel like you never fully rested?
You may be grinding or clenching your teeth without even realizing it. 👀
Bruxism affects more people than you think and the damage often happens slowly over time until patients start noticing chipped teeth, sensitivity, flattening, fractures, or TMJ discomfort.
An occlusal guard (night guard) is more than just “something to sleep in.” It’s designed to help protect your teeth, joints, muscles, and long-term oral health from the constant pressure created by clenching and grinding.
Some signs you may benefit from a night guard:
• Flattened or worn teeth (attrition)
• Chipped, cracked, or sensitive teeth
• Jaw pain or tightness
• Clicking/popping in the TMJ
• Morning headaches
• Neck or facial muscle tension
• Mouth breathing during sleep
• Difficulty keeping your tongue properly positioned at rest
• Poor sleep quality or waking up feeling unrested
The reality is this: your teeth were never designed to handle grinding forces night after night. Many people generate significantly more force while sleeping than they do while chewing.
That’s why dentists frequently recommend custom occlusal guards to help:
✔ Protect existing restorations
✔ Reduce stress on the jaw joints and muscles
✔ Minimize further wear and fractures
✔ Improve comfort and sleep quality
✔ Support healthier jaw positioning and muscle function
If you’ve noticed signs of grinding, clenching, or jaw tension, it may be time to see what’s really going on before small problems become bigger ones.
📞 Schedule an evaluation with Hearthside Dentistry to find out if a custom occlusal guard could help protect your smile long term.