Night guards for teeth grinding

A mouthguard is a removable appliance, usually worn at night, that keeps you from damaging your teeth while you grind. People who clench or grind, often during sleep, benefit most.

The most common is a night guard for grinding. There are also sports guards to protect teeth during activity, and special devices for snoring or sleep apnea.

It cushions the force of grinding so your teeth, not the guard, are spared. Some people grind during the day too, so it can be worn whenever the grinding happens.

It can, when the pain is driven by grinding. If the joint itself is damaged for other reasons, a guard alone may not be enough, and we would look at the underlying cause.

Boil-and-bite guards from the store sometimes work, but they are bulky and many people stop wearing them. A custom guard fits better and is more comfortable, which means you actually wear it.

Rinse and brush it with mild soap and water, and store it dry. How long it lasts depends on how hard you grind, anywhere from several months to a few years.