Do You Need a Night Guard? Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is more common than you might think! Many people clench or grind their teeth while sleeping and don’t even realise it until the symptoms become painful or their dentist spots the signs during a routine check-up. At Clarendon Dental in Southsea, Portsmouth, we’re here to help you recognise the signs of bruxism and protect your smile with a custom night guard if needed.

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What Is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a custom-made dental appliance worn during sleep to cushion your teeth and prevent damage caused by grinding or clenching. It acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, helping reduce wear, relieve jaw tension and prevent long-term oral health problems.


Common Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Many people don’t realise they grind their teeth at night until they notice physical symptoms—or their partner hears it happening during sleep. Here are the most common signs:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Worn-down or chipped teeth
  • Frequent headaches or migraines, especially around the temples
  • Ear aches without infection
  • Tooth sensitivity caused by enamel erosion
  • Disrupted sleep or waking up feeling tired
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist at Clarendon Dental for a full evaluation. Ignoring bruxism can lead to serious dental complications, including cracked teeth, gum recession and even tooth loss.


What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding can be triggered by a range of factors, including:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea
  • Misaligned bite or crooked teeth
  • Lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
  • Medications, particularly certain antidepressants

Understanding the cause of your bruxism is key to determining the most effective treatment – a custom night guard may be one of the best solutions.

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How a Night Guard Can Help

At Clarendon Dental Portsmouth, we provide professionally fitted night guards that are comfortable, durable, and designed to protect your teeth from nightly grinding. Unlike over-the-counter guards, our custom-fit options are moulded to your exact bite for optimal comfort and protection.

Benefits of a night guard include:

  • Reduced tooth wear and damage
  • Relief from jaw tension and facial pain
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Prevention of costly dental treatments in the future

Clarendon Dental: Your Southsea Dentist for Night Guard Solutions

If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, don’t wait for the damage to set in. The team at Clarendon Dental, Southsea offers expert diagnosis and personalised solutions to protect your smile, including high-quality custom night guards made right here in Portsmouth.

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