Introduction

Do you wake up with jaw pain, tension headaches, or sore teeth? Have you noticed increased tooth sensitivity or even cracks in your enamel? These subtle symptoms may point to an issue you haven’t thought about: teeth grinding or jaw clenching while you sleep.

At MVP Dental in Farmington, Utah, we see patients every week who suffer from nighttime teeth grinding—also known as bruxism. Often, they don’t even know they’re doing it until the damage becomes visible or painful. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution: a custom night guard designed to protect your teeth and relieve pressure on your jaw.

Not sure if it’s time to get one? Here are five key signs you might need a custom night guard—and how we can help you sleep easier and protect your smile.

1. You Wake Up With Jaw Pain or Tension

One of the most common red flags for teeth grinding is morning jaw pain. If your jaw feels sore, stiff, or tense after waking up—especially near your temples or just in front of your ears—you’re likely clenching or grinding in your sleep.

This kind of tension is caused by the overuse of your jaw muscles overnight and can lead to:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth fully

• Clicking or popping when chewing

A custom night guard helps cushion the jaw, reduce tension, and prevent long-term damage to the joints and muscles.

2. You Have Frequent Headaches or Facial Pain

Headaches that begin shortly after waking—especially around the temples, behind the eyes, or in the upper neck—are often caused by bruxism. Grinding puts a surprising amount of pressure on your head and neck muscles, leading to:

• Tension headaches

• Earaches without infection

• Sinus-like pressure or facial fatigue

Many MVP Dental patients are shocked to learn that their persistent morning headaches were related to unconscious nighttime clenching. A night guard acts as a buffer that absorbs stress and prevents overexertion of the facial muscles.

3. Your Teeth Look Worn, Flattened, or Cracked

This is often how dentists first detect bruxism: during your routine dental cleaning or exam, we may spot unusual patterns of wear and tear. Teeth grinding can cause:

• Flat, shortened biting surfaces

• Micro-cracks in enamel

• Premature enamel erosion

• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold

If left untreated, this damage can lead to more serious and costly restorative procedures like crowns, fillings, or even root canals. A custom night guard can help you avoid that by protecting your teeth from further grinding damage.

5. Your Partner Says You Grind at Night

You might not notice grinding or clenching on your own—but your partner might. Some people grind so loudly that it wakes up their spouse or roommate. Others clench silently but aggressively, and the sound or movement is noticeable to someone sleeping nearby.

If someone tells you:

• “You’re grinding your teeth at night”

• “I can hear your jaw clenching while you sleep”

• “It sounds like crunching or squeaking”

…it’s time to take that seriously. Chronic grinding can lead to broken teeth, gum recession, and even bone loss if not treated with a protective night guard.

Why a Custom Night Guard Is Better Than a Store-Bought One

You’ve probably seen over-the-counter night guards at the pharmacy—but there’s a big difference between those and a professionally made guard from MVP Dental.

Custom Night Guard Benefits:

• Tailored to your exact bite for better comfort and retention

• Durable medical-grade material that lasts longer than boil-and-bite options

• Designed to protect your teeth evenly without affecting your bite

• Often thinner, more comfortable, and easier to sleep with

Our night guards are designed specifically for how you grind, clench, and sleep—not a one-size-fits-all solution that might not help (or could even make things worse).

How MVP Dental Makes the Process Easy

At MVP Dental, we make getting a night guard simple, fast, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:

1. Consultation & Exam: We evaluate your symptoms, bite, and tooth wear.

2. Digital or Physical Impressions: We take precise molds of your teeth.

3. Custom Lab Fabrication: Your guard is made to fit your mouth and grinding patterns.

4. Fitting & Adjustments: We make sure it fits perfectly and comfortably.

5. Ongoing Support: We monitor your progress and check your guard at future visits.

We’re here to ensure your night guard works, fits comfortably, and gives you lasting relief.

Conclusion: Protect Your Smile While You Sleep

If you’ve noticed jaw tension, tooth wear, or unexplained morning headaches, you may be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. A custom night guard from MVP Dental can prevent serious damage, improve your sleep, and reduce long-term discomfort.

Don’t wait until a cracked tooth or TMJ pain forces your hand.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if a night guard is right for you. Your smile—and your jaw—will thank you.