Who Might Need a Night Guard?

If you’ve ever woken up with sore jaws, morning headaches, or teeth that feel strangely sensitive, you may have experienced the effects of teeth grinding or clenching. Many people do it without even realizing it — until the symptoms show up. That’s where a night guard comes in.

A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth, acting as a protective barrier while you sleep. It may seem simple, but it can make a big difference for your oral health and overall comfort. 

So, who actually needs one? That’s what our experts at Rifkin Dental in Carmel and Yorktown Heights, New York, cover in this month’s blog. 

1. Those who grind or clench their teeth

One of the most common reasons for a night guard is bruxism, the medical term for grinding or clenching. It often happens during sleep, when you’re not aware of it. 

Over time, the pressure from grinding wears down your enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and even leading to chips or cracks. A night guard cushions your teeth, reducing that damaging force and protecting your smile.

2. Those with jaw pain or TMJ issues

If you wake up with stiffness or pain around your jaw, a night guard may help. Clenching your teeth strains your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull. 

That extra stress night after night can cause symptoms such as clicking, popping, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. If you wear a night guard, you can help relieve pressure on your joints and muscles, allowing them to relax overnight.

3. Those with headaches

We can often trace morning headaches back to nighttime clenching and grinding. The tension radiates from your jaw muscles up into your temples, creating that dull ache you feel when you wake up. 

A night guard can alleviate some of the overnight stress, which may reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches.

4. Those with worn or damaged teeth

If we notice flattened chewing surfaces, small cracks, or other signs of wear during an exam, it may be time for a night guard — even if you haven’t noticed any of the classic symptoms. 

Catching the problem early can save you from more invasive restorative treatments down the road, like crowns or root canals.

5. Those under a lot of stress

Stress is a major trigger for teeth grinding and clenching. If you’re going through a particularly stressful season, you might consider talking to us about a temporary night guard to help you through it. 

For some, the habit fades once stress levels decrease, but for others, it persists. Either way, the guard keeps your teeth safe in the meantime.

Our final thoughts

Not everyone needs a night guard, but for those who do, it can be a game-changer. With one simple appliance, we can help enhance both your dental health and daily comfort by protecting your teeth from grinding forces, reducing jaw pain, and even alleviating morning headaches. 

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms — or we’ve pointed out wear-and-tear on your teeth — it may be time to consider a custom night guard. A small step today can protect your smile for years to come.

Schedule your night guard consultation online or over the phone today at our Rifkin Dental location closest to you.