Teeth grinding: do I need a night guard?

Waking with a tired jaw, noticing chips in your teeth or hearing that you grind at night can prompt a search for a mouthguard. Before buying one, it is worth finding out what is causing the problem and what the appliance is meant to achieve.

Grinding and clenching are also called bruxism. They may happen during sleep or while awake. Management can involve several approaches, with a dental splint used to help protect teeth. An appliance is not the whole answer for every person. Healthdirect explains bruxism and its management.

What can a night guard do?

A night guard provides a protective surface between the teeth. It does not reliably stop the grinding habit itself. At Park Road Dental, a custom occlusal splint is considered after assessment, with its fit and bite checked when it is fitted. Our night guard service page explains the process.

That distinction matters when deciding whether treatment has helped. Ask what the goal is in your case: protection from further wear, management of a particular symptom or part of a broader plan. Also ask what would prompt another assessment rather than simply continuing to wear the appliance.

Bring more than a description of your teeth

Tell the dentist when you notice symptoms, what has changed and whether anyone has heard you grinding. Mention sleep problems, medicines and any guard you already use. Bring the existing appliance so it can be examined rather than trying to describe its shape.

If you snore or have disturbed sleep, raise that separately. A standard grinding splint is not a substitute for assessment of a possible sleep disorder. Park Road Dental's snoring and sleep apnoea information explains the need for appropriate medical assessment.

Questions before having a splint made

• What findings suggest I need an appliance?
• What should it help with, and what will it not change?
• How will the fit be checked and reviewed?
• How should I clean and store this particular appliance?
• What should I do if it feels uncomfortable or my symptoms change?

For a grinding or night guard assessment in Cheltenham, call Park Road Dental on (03) 9584 4949. The first step is understanding the problem, then deciding whether a splint belongs in your care plan.