Last Updated: November 2025

Benefits from a Night Guard to Prevent Teeth Grinding

If your dentist has diagnosed you with bruxism, it means that you habitually clench your teeth. This usually takes place unconsciously as people sleep.

Bruxism may not sound like a serious problem, but it can cause chronic jaw, ear, and face pain in addition to poor sleep quality and erosion of tooth enamel. The latter problem puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. Frequent grinding of your teeth can also cause headaches, broken teeth, chipped teeth, and even loss of teeth.

Many people assume that stress is the cause of bruxism, but this isn’t always true. Other lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep and exercise habits, can also play a role. Improper alignment of the teeth is yet another potential cause. If you are suffering from bruxism, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Night Guards as a Treatment for Bruxism

Dentists typically prefer to use the most non-invasive and conservative treatment method for this condition. When you come in for an appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and forward it to a dental laboratory for processing.

A technician creates a customized nightguard that fits the shape of your mouth perfectly. Nightguards are made from soft material and fit directly over the top and bottom rows of your teeth. Your night guard prevents you from grinding your teeth if you wear it consistently.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Bruxism

You can do several things to stop chronic teeth grinding in addition to wearing your prescribed night guard. These include:

• Reduce the stress in your life as much as possible. Let go of the things you can’t control and take the time to engage in relaxing activities and enjoyable hobbies.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening hours. These substances are known to make bruxism worse.
• See a sleep specialist if you have difficulty getting regular, restful sleep each night.
• If you sleep with a partner, ask him or her to let you know about any unusual sounds during the night. You should report these to your dentist so he or she can change your treatment program if necessary.

Lastly, be sure to keep your bi-annual preventive care appointments. This allows your dentist to detect signs of bruxism and have a customized nightguard made for you to treat it.

New Information 2025: The Latest on Night Guards & Bruxism Care

While the core understanding of bruxism remains the same, dental research and patient care strategies have evolved over the past several years. Updating this topic helps ensure you have the most accurate and relevant guidance for protecting your teeth, jaw, and overall wellness.

New Advances in Night Guard Materials (2025 Update)

Modern night guards are now designed with improved materials that last longer, feel more comfortable, and reduce pressure on your jaw joints. Today’s options may include:

• Dual-laminate technology — durable on the outside, cushion-soft on the inside.
• BPA-free materials that are safer and more flexible.
• Digitally fabricated guards created from 3D scans, offering precise fit and better long-term comfort.

These improvements help reduce morning jaw soreness and give patients a more seamless experience compared to older guard designs.

Better Understanding the Link Between Bruxism & Sleep Quality

Recent studies show a stronger connection between teeth grinding and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, upper airway resistance, and fragmented sleep patterns. Because of this, dentists now more frequently collaborate with sleep specialists to ensure that:

• Bruxism is not masking an underlying airway issue
• Your treatment plan is tailored to your sleep habits
• Your night guard is designed to support optimal jaw positioning during sleep

If you snore, feel tired during the day, or wake up frequently, it may be beneficial to discuss a sleep evaluation.

Jaw Pain, Facial Tension & TMJ Awareness Has Grown Significantly

In recent years, more patients have become aware of TMJ-related symptoms connected to bruxism. Updated treatment approaches now focus on:

• Relaxation techniques for the jaw muscles
• Physical therapy or massage for chronic tension
• Evaluating posture, muscle habits, and screen-time–related clenching
• Using custom night guards to stabilize and protect the joint

This whole-body approach ensures that patients receive relief beyond just protecting their teeth.

Lifestyle Factors Matter More Than Ever

While stress remains a common trigger, updated clinical findings highlight additional contributors:

• Excessive screen time increases unconscious daytime clenching
• Dehydration can worsen muscle tension and grinding
• Poor nighttime routines (blue light exposure, inconsistent sleep schedules) impact jaw activity
• Popular energy drinks have significantly increased grinding due to stimulant levels

Understanding these factors helps patients adopt healthier habits that support long-term relief.

Why Updating Your Existing Night Guard Matters

Even high-quality night guards may need replacing every 3–5 years due to:

• Natural wear from grinding
• Changes in your bite
• New dental work (crowns, implants, fillings)
• Improved material options now available

If your guard is older, cracked, loose, or uncomfortable, an updated custom appliance may dramatically improve protection and comfort.

2025: Suburban Essex Dental Continues to Lead in Bruxism Treatment

Dr. Paul Feldman and the team at Suburban Essex Dental remain committed to providing the most advanced, patient-focused bruxism care. With updated technology, 3D digital scanning, and decades of experience, we ensure every patient receives a custom, comfortable, and effective night guard tailored to their needs.

Ready for a Bruxism Evaluation or a New Night Guard?

We welcome new and returning patients who want to protect their smile, improve sleep quality, and finally get relief from teeth grinding.

Contact Suburban Essex Dental in West Orange, NJ today to schedule your appointment.Let’s discuss a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding

Dr. Paul Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental is located in West Orange, NJ is ready to help you. We have been treating bruxism by providing mouth guards for a very long time. For over three decades we continue to grow. We constantly keep up with all technical advances as well as continue to grow our happy and completely satisfied patient list. Feel free to contact us.