Got it — dental night guard 😊
Here’s a clear, practical explanation:
What a dental night guard does
A night guard is a removable appliance worn while sleeping to:
Protect teeth from grinding/clenching (bruxism)
Reduce jaw pain, facial pain, and morning headaches
Help with TMJ discomfort
Prevent tooth wear, cracks, and sensitivity
Who should use one
You may benefit if you have:
Jaw tightness or pain on waking
Headaches in the morning or temple pain
Flattened, chipped, or sensitive teeth
Clicking or soreness in the jaw
Stress-related clenching (very common)
Types of night guards
1. Soft night guard
For mild grinding
More comfortable
Can sometimes increase clenching in heavy grinders
2. Hard (acrylic) night guard
Best for moderate to severe grinding
More durable and protective
Usually dentist-made
3. Dual-laminate
Soft inside, hard outside
Good balance of comfort + protection
4. Custom-made (recommended)
Made from dental impressions
Best fit, most effective, lasts longer
5. Over-the-counter
Cheaper, boil-and-bite
Less precise fit, can worsen symptoms if ill-fitting
How long to wear
Typically every night
Some people use it long-term; others only during stress phases
Care tips
Rinse after use
Clean gently with a toothbrush (no hot water)
Air dry
Store in a ventilated case
Avoid toothpaste with abrasives
Important note
A night guard protects teeth but does not cure the cause of grinding (stress, sleep issues, bite problems)
