Do you wake up with a sore jaw, sensitive teeth, or dull headaches?
If yes, grinding teeth at night might be what is causing it.
The clinical term for this is bruxism. Many people do it in their sleep without knowing.
Left alone, it chips teeth, wears down enamel, and strains jaw muscles over time.
A custom dental mouth guard from your dentist is one of the most effective ways to stop the damage.
At Levin Dental Centre, 298 Oxford Street, Levin, we fit mouth guards that protect your smile and let you wake up pain-free.
What Is Grinding Teeth and Why Does It Happen?
grinding teeth — or bruxism — is when you clench or rub your teeth together.
It happens mostly during sleep, so you often have no idea it is going on.
Some people also grind during the day when stressed or concentrating hard.
Common Triggers
There is rarely just one cause. Grinding tends to come from a mix of factors:
- High stress or anxiety levels
- Disrupted or poor-quality sleep
- Bite misalignment — teeth that do not sit together evenly
- Caffeine or alcohol consumed in the evenings
- Certain medications, especially antidepressants
- Sleep apnoea — the two conditions often occur together
Once you know the trigger, your dentist can help you manage it more effectively alongside the right protection.
Signs You May Be Grinding in Your Sleep
Since most bruxism happens overnight, watch for these clues:
- Jaw stiffness or soreness when you first wake up
- Recurring tension headaches, especially near the temples
- Teeth that look shorter, flatter, or more worn than before
- Cracked, chipped, or sensitive teeth
- Your sleeping partner mentions grinding noises at night
- Clicking or locking in the jaw joint
Spotted more than one of these? It is worth getting checked sooner rather than later.
What Is a Dental Mouth Guard?
A dental mouth guard is a removable protective device worn over your teeth.
For bruxism, it sits between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep.
It acts as a cushion — absorbing the pressure of clenching and stopping your teeth from rubbing against each other.
Custom-Fitted vs Store-Bought — What Is the Difference?
Pharmacy Guards
These come in one-size-fits-all or basic boil-and-bite versions.
They are cheap upfront but often bulky, uncomfortable, and loose during the night.
A guard that moves around does not protect you properly.
Custom Guards from Your Dentist
Your dentist takes a precise impression of your bite.
A lab then crafts a guard that fits your mouth exactly — no slipping, no bulk, no guessing.
Custom guards are thinner, more comfortable, and far more effective at protecting against grinding teeth.
They also last considerably longer — often three to five years with proper care.
What Happens If You Ignore Grinding Teeth?
Some people assume grinding teeth is just a minor nuisance. It is not.
Over months and years, the damage stacks up:
- Enamel wears away — it does not grow back
- Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks
- Cracks and chips appear, needing fillings, crowns, or veneers to repair
- Jaw muscles stay tense, leading to chronic facial pain
- The jaw joint (TMJ) becomes inflamed or develops clicking and locking
- Existing dental work — like crowns and bridges — can crack under the pressure
A dental mouth guard costs a fraction of what repairing this kind of damage costs later.
Prevention here is not just sensible — it is genuinely cost-saving.
How Levin Dental Centre Fits Your Mouth Guard
Getting a dental mouth guard from us is a simple, two-visit process.
Step 1 — Assessment Appointment
Your dentist looks at your teeth, bite, and jaw.
They check for signs of grinding teeth such as flat spots, cracks, or worn enamel.
They also ask about your sleep, stress levels, and any symptoms you have noticed.
This picture helps us recommend the right type of guard for your situation.
Step 2 — Impressions and Fitting
We take a detailed impression of your upper and lower teeth.
This goes to our dental lab where your guard is precisely made.
When it comes back, you return for a fitting.
We check the fit, make any adjustments, and show you how to clean and store it.
Most patients find the final guard comfortable right from the first night.
Types of Dental Mouth Guards We Offer
Not every mouth guard serves the same purpose. At Levin Dental Centre, we fit several types:
Night Guards for Bruxism
Designed specifically to stop grinding teeth during sleep.
Worn on the upper or lower teeth, they absorb clenching force and cushion the bite.
Sports Mouth Guards
Built to absorb impact during contact sport — rugby, boxing, martial arts, hockey, and more.
Far more protective than shop-bought versions and moulded to your exact bite.
TMJ Guards
For patients dealing with jaw joint pain or clicking alongside grinding teeth.
Designed to reposition the jaw slightly to reduce pressure on the joint.
Looking After Your Mouth Guard
A well-maintained dental mouth guard stays hygienic and lasts much longer.
Follow these simple steps:
- Rinse with cold water straight after removing it each morning
- Clean gently with a soft toothbrush — no toothpaste, as it scratches the surface
- Store it in the ventilated case provided, away from heat
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, which warps the material over time
- Bring it to your check-up appointments so your dentist can assess wear
Most custom guards last three to five years. If yours feels loose or is showing heavy wear, book in for a replacement.
Need Financial Help With Dental Treatment?
We understand that dental costs can feel like a barrier.
Levin Dental Centre provides WINZ quotes for eligible patients, making essential treatment more accessible.
Read other full guide to WINZ dental support, payment options, and financial assistance available in Levin:
WINZ Dental Support in Levin – Quotes, Treatments & Financial Help Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know if I need a dental mouth guard?
If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or sensitive teeth — or someone has told you that you grind at night — it is worth getting checked. Your dentist can spot signs of grinding teeth on your tooth surfaces even if you have not noticed any symptoms yet.
Q2. Can I just buy a mouth guard from the pharmacy?
You can, but generic guards often fit poorly and shift around during the night. A guard that moves does not protect your teeth properly. A custom-fitted dental mouth guard from your dentist stays in place, fits comfortably, and gives far better protection.
Q3. Is a dental mouth guard comfortable to sleep in?
Custom guards are made thin and precise to your bite, so most people adapt within a night or two. They feel much less bulky than off-the-shelf versions. If anything feels off at the fitting, we adjust it on the spot.
Q4. Will a mouth guard fix my jaw pain completely?
A dental mouth guard protects your teeth and reduces the muscle tension caused by grinding teeth. For many patients, this noticeably reduces jaw pain and headaches. If your jaw pain is severe, your dentist may also recommend physiotherapy or further assessment.
Q5. How long does a custom mouth guard last?
With good care, most custom guards last three to five years. Heavy grinders may wear them through faster. Bring yours to regular check-ups so your dentist can monitor wear and let you know when it is time for a new one.
Stop the Damage — Act Now
grinding teeth does not stop on its own.
Every night without protection, your teeth take more wear.
A custom dental mouth guard from Levin Dental Centre is a small step that prevents costly, painful damage down the track.
Our team is friendly, our clinic is modern, and getting fitted takes just two short visits.
Protect your smile before the damage adds up.
Book Your Appointment at Levin Dental Centre Today →
Contact Us:-https://levindentalcentre.co.nz/contact/
Email:-reception@levindentalcentre.co.nz
Address:-298 Oxford street Levin
Phone no:-(06) 3685209