Chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding is called bruxism. It can happen any time of day but often occurs at night, causing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and sore teeth that may feel loose. Stress and anxiety are the most common causes, but other factors include sleep disorders, abnormal bites, and missing or poorly aligned teeth.
To alleviate bruxism symptoms, wearing a night guard while sleeping is often recommended. This appliance fits over the teeth and keeps the jaws slightly apart. It prevents damage such as muscle strain, excessive pressure on the jaw joint (TMJ), and dental issues like chipped or cracked teeth caused by grinding.
In addition to preventing damage to the soft and hard tissues surrounding the orofacial cavity, a custom night guard fabricated at the dental office can help curb bruxism and improve the wearer’s sleep.