The Morning Jaw Ache That Starts It All

Amy, a graphic designer in her 30s, thought her headaches were from too much screen time. But the ache wasn’t just behind her eyes—it was in her jaw. She’d wake up with tightness around her temples and teeth that felt “tense,” as she put it.

After a dental exam and a quick bite analysis, we saw what she hadn’t: her teeth were showing signs of wear from grinding at night—a habit called bruxism. Amy didn’t even know she was doing it.

Her case isn’t rare. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues we diagnose quietly during routine exams. That’s where a nightguard becomes not just helpful—but protective.

What Is a Nightguard—and What Does It Actually Do?

A nightguard is a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth (usually the upper arch) to create a protective barrier between them while you sleep. It absorbs and redistributes the force of grinding or clenching, preventing enamel wear, jaw strain, and even micro-fractures in your teeth.

Think of it like a cushion between two bricks. Without the cushion, the bricks knock against each other—hard and often. A nightguard softens the blow and gives your jaw muscles something stable to rest against.

There are different types of nightguards: soft, hard, or hybrid (dual laminate). At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup Village, we recommend the material based on how intense your grinding is and whether you also clench or have TMJ-related symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Really Need a Nightguard?

This is the question most people Google before making a dental appointment—and for good reason. Nightguards aren’t over-the-counter impulse buys. They’re a response to something your body is already trying to tell you.

Here are signs you might benefit from one:

• You wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or facial tension
• Your teeth feel sore or “tired” in the morning
• Your partner hears you grinding at night
• You’ve noticed flattened or chipped teeth
• You have small cracks near the biting edge of your molars
• You’ve been diagnosed with TMJ issues or jaw clicking

At our practice, we often spot signs during cleanings and x-rays—like unusual wear patterns or bite stress on your enamel. Patients are surprised when we point it out, but grateful when they realize there's a simple, non-invasive solution.

What Happens If I Don’t Wear One?

In short: the damage continues. And over time, that damage isn’t just cosmetic—it’s structural.

Without a nightguard, chronic grinding often leads to a slow but steady breakdown of your oral health. You may begin to experience enamel erosion, which exposes the sensitive inner layers of your teeth and increases your risk of cavities. Over time, this pressure can also cause tooth fractures or chips, potentially leading to more complex treatments like crowns or even extractions. Many patients also develop jaw muscle inflammation, which can feel like constant tension headaches, as well as TMJ disorders—marked by clicking, popping, or even temporary jaw locking. In some cases, excessive nighttime pressure contributes to gum recession, making teeth appear longer and more vulnerable to sensitivity and bone loss.

Once that damage occurs, the repair may involve restorative treatments like ceramic crowns or extractions. A custom nightguard, by contrast, is a much gentler—and less expensive—option to prevent these issues before they happen.