5 Signs You Should Be Wearing a Mouthguard at Night

Protect Your Teeth While You Sleep with a Custom Night Guard in Calgary 

Grinding or clenching your teeth at night may not seem serious—until it starts causing pain, tooth damage, or sleep issues. Many people in Calgary live with nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching without realizing it, and the effects can take a toll on both oral health and overall well-being. 

At Marlborough Dental Centre in Calgary, we help patients identify the signs of sleep-related dental issues and offer custom night guards to prevent long-term damage. If you’re unsure whether you need a night guard, here are five common warning signs that it might be time to speak to a dentist. 

1. You Wake Up with Jaw Pain or Facial Soreness 

Waking up with tightness, soreness, or tension in your jaw could be one of the earliest night guard symptoms Calgary patients experience. This discomfort is often caused by grinding or clenching your jaw throughout the night, even if you're not aware of it. 

A custom night guard from Marlborough Dental Centre can reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles and joints, providing NE Calgary TMJ relief and helping you wake up pain-free. 

2. You Suffer from Frequent Morning Headaches 

Morning headaches—especially those that feel like a dull ache around your temples—can be linked to nighttime bruxism. Clenching your teeth while you sleep creates tension in the muscles around your head and neck, triggering discomfort that lasts well into the day. 

If you regularly experience these types of headaches, a custom night guard can cushion your bite and reduce the muscle strain responsible for the pain. 

3. Your Teeth Look Flattened, Cracked, or Worn Down 

One of the most visible signs of nighttime grinding is unusual dental wear. Over time, bruxism can lead to flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth—even if you're careful with your oral hygiene. Left untreated, this damage may require restorative procedures like crowns, fillings, or veneers. 

If you notice signs of dental wear in Calgary, it’s time to visit Marlborough Dental Centre. Our dentists can assess the damage and fit you with a night guard to protect your teeth during sleep and prevent further wear. 

4. You Hear Clicking or Popping in Your Jaw 

Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth can be a sign of TMJ dysfunction—often caused by chronic clenching or grinding. While occasional clicking isn't always a concern, if it's paired with pain, stiffness, or limited movement, it could indicate a more serious issue. 

A custom night guard helps reposition your jaw to reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint, offering long-term TMJ relief in NE Calgary. 

5. You’re Told You Grind Your Teeth at Night 

Sometimes the most obvious sign comes from a partner or roommate. If someone has noticed you grinding your teeth at night, don’t ignore it—even if you aren’t experiencing pain yet. The effects of bruxism can build slowly, and catching it early is key to preventing serious damage. 

At Marlborough Dental Centre, we offer teeth grinding solutions in Calgary through professionally fitted night guards that provide both comfort and protection. 

Take Control of Your Oral Health While You Sleep 

Wearing a night guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth and relieve symptoms associated with grinding or clenching. At Marlborough Dental Centre in Calgary, we create custom-fit night guards tailored to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. 

If you’re experiencing any of the signs above—or simply want peace of mind—contact us to book a consultation with our experienced team today. We’ll assess your symptoms, discuss your options, and create a solution that protects your smile for years to come. 

Don’t wait for tooth damage or chronic pain to appear. Visit Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary and take the first step toward a better night’s sleep and a healthier smile. 

 

FAQ’s 

Q: Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
A: Yes. A night guard can reduce pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, providing NE Calgary TMJ relief. 

Q: Is grinding teeth at night harmful?
A: Yes. It can lead to dental wear, cracked teeth, gum recession, jaw pain, and long-term damage without treatment. 

Q: Are store-bought night guards as effective as custom ones?
A: Custom night guards from Marlborough Dental Centre offer better fit, comfort, and protection than store-bought versions. Contact us to book your custom night guard appointment!