Occlusal Guard

An occlusal guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance designed to protect the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures from the damaging effects of bruxism – the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth. Worn over the upper or lower teeth, occlusal guards create a protective barrier that prevents tooth surfaces from making direct contact during grinding episodes. While similar in appearance to a sports mouth guard, occlusal guards are precision-crafted by a dentist and serve a very different purpose: protecting the smile from the slow, cumulative damage that bruxism can cause over time.

Though bruxism is most common during sleep, some children grind or clench their teeth during waking hours as well. In either case, an occlusal guard can play an important role in preserving the health and integrity of your child's teeth.

How can an occlusal guard protect my child?

Bruxism places a significant amount of force on the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Over time, this repeated pressure can lead to a range of dental and physical concerns. An occlusal guard works by absorbing and redistributing these forces, reducing strain on the jaw and protecting tooth enamel from excessive wear.

Specifically, occlusal guards help prevent or minimize:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Facial muscle pain and soreness
• Gum tissue injury
• Headaches and earaches related to jaw tension
• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Early onset of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

How is an occlusal guard made?

Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally fabricated occlusal guard is custom-made to fit your child's unique bite. The process typically begins with the dentist taking an impression of your child's teeth. That impression is then used to create a guard that fits precisely over the dental arch, ensuring maximum comfort, proper alignment, and effective protection.

Because children's mouths continue to grow and change, your pediatric dentist will monitor the fit of the guard over time and advise when an updated appliance may be needed.

Is an occlusal guard right for my child?

Your pediatric dentist will recommend an occlusal guard when bruxism is causing noticeable wear or damage to the teeth, or when there is a risk of longer-term complications. It is typically considered alongside – rather than instead of – identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the grinding, whether that is jaw misalignment, stress, medication, or a developmental factor.

In mild cases, bruxism resolves on its own as children grow, and many children stop grinding by the age of thirteen. However, when active damage is occurring, an occlusal guard provides a reliable, non-invasive way to protect your child's smile in the meantime.

If you have questions or concerns about occlusal guards or bruxism, please contact our office.