Night Guards, Mouthguards and Teeth Grinding Treatment in Yarrabilba

Your teeth are built to last a lifetime, but two everyday threats can undo years of good care: grinding while you sleep and knocks on the sporting field. At FB Dental Yarrabilba, we make custom night guards and sports mouthguards that protect against both. Our team is rated 5.0 stars from 185 Google reviews and is a 2026 Local Business Awards Finalist, so your guard will be made with the same care we bring to every treatment.

What Is Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bruxism is the medical term for clenching or grinding your teeth, and it affects many Australians of all ages. It most often happens during sleep, which is why so many people have no idea they do it. A partner may hear the grinding at night, or the first clue may be waking with a sore jaw. The forces involved are far greater than normal chewing, and night after night they take a real toll on your teeth and jaw joints.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

• Waking with jaw pain, stiffness, or a tired feeling in the face
• Dull headaches, especially around the temples in the morning
• Teeth that look worn, flattened, or chipped
• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Grinding or clicking sounds during sleep that your partner notices
• Broken fillings or cracked teeth without an obvious cause
• Disrupted sleep for you and the person next to you

New or worsening sensitivity is one of the earliest warning signs, because grinding wears away the protective enamel. Our guide to tooth sensitivity treatment explains what else can cause it and how we treat it. Many people only discover they grind when we spot the wear patterns during a routine check-up and clean, which is one more reason to keep those six-monthly visits.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers, which is why grinding often flares up during busy or difficult periods. Other contributors include sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, caffeine or alcohol in the evening, certain medications, and a bite that does not meet evenly. Children grind too, though many grow out of it as their adult teeth come through. Understanding your triggers matters, because managing them is part of the treatment.

What Grinding Does to Your Teeth

Left untreated, bruxism leads to worn, flattened tooth surfaces, cracked or broken teeth and fillings, and receding gums. It also strains the jaw joint, contributing to TMJ disorders, jaw pain, and tension headaches, and it disrupts sleep quality for you and your partner. The damage is gradual, so it is easy to ignore until a tooth cracks. By that stage the repair often involves crowns or other restorative work that costs far more than prevention.

Treating Bruxism: Custom Night Guards and Beyond

The first line of treatment is a custom night guard (also called an occlusal splint). It creates a cushioning barrier between your upper and lower teeth, absorbs the grinding forces, and reduces muscle tension, which is why many patients notice fewer morning headaches within weeks. We take precise impressions of your teeth, have the guard made to fit them exactly, and adjust it at fitting so it is comfortable enough to wear every night.

A night guard protects your teeth, but we also look at what is driving the grinding. Depending on your situation, treatment may include stress management strategies, better sleep habits, cutting back evening caffeine and alcohol, or assessment for an underlying sleep disorder. In severe cases, muscle relaxant injections can ease overactive jaw muscles. Your dentist will talk through the options that suit you.

Sports Mouthguards

Grinding is not the only threat worth guarding against. A custom sports mouthguard is essential for anyone playing contact sport: rugby league and union, AFL, basketball, hockey, boxing, and martial arts all carry real risk of dental injury. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs impact force, helping prevent broken teeth, cut lips, and jaw injuries, and it may reduce the risk of concussion. If you or your kids play winter or summer sport in Yarrabilba, read our guide to preventing sports dental injuries for what to do if a knock does happen.

Custom vs Over-the-Counter Guards

Chemist boil-and-bite mouthguards are inexpensive, but they offer limited protection. They tend to be bulky and loose, which makes breathing and speaking difficult and means players often take them out at the worst moment. Custom guards from FB Dental are made from precise impressions of your teeth, so they are thinner, fit securely, and stay in place on impact. Because they are comfortable, athletes actually wear them consistently, and a mouthguard only works when it is in your mouth. For children, we recommend a check each season, since growing mouths usually need a new guard every year.

Caring for Your Guard

• Rinse your guard before and after each use
• Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water (hot water can warp it)
• Store it in a ventilated case, away from heat and curious pets
• Bring it to your dental appointments so we can check for wear
• Replace it if it becomes damaged, thin, or no longer fits well

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?

Common signs include waking with a sore or tight jaw, dull headaches around the temples, worn or chipped teeth, increased sensitivity, and a partner hearing grinding sounds. A dentist can confirm bruxism by checking for wear patterns during a routine examination.

Will a night guard stop me from grinding my teeth?

A night guard does not stop the habit itself, but it protects your teeth from the damage grinding causes. It cushions the force between your upper and lower teeth and often reduces jaw tension and morning headaches. Addressing triggers such as stress or sleep disorders can help reduce the grinding over time.

How long does a custom night guard last?

With good care, a custom night guard typically lasts several years, though heavy grinders may wear through one sooner. Bring it to your regular appointments so we can check it, and replace it once it becomes damaged, thin, or ill-fitting.

Are chemist mouthguards good enough for contact sport?

Boil-and-bite guards are better than nothing, but they are bulky, fit loosely, and offer limited protection. A custom mouthguard is thinner, more comfortable, and stays in place on impact, which is why the Australian Dental Association recommends custom-fitted guards for contact sports.

Can children get custom sports mouthguards?

Yes. Children playing rugby, AFL, hockey, basketball, or martial arts should wear a custom mouthguard each season. Because children's mouths change quickly as adult teeth come through, their guards should be checked and usually replaced each year.

How should I clean my night guard or mouthguard?

Rinse it before and after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, and store it in a ventilated case. Never use hot water, which can warp the material.

Book Your Guard Fitting in Yarrabilba

Whether you need a night guard for grinding or a mouthguard for the season ahead, fitting takes just a short visit. Book online or call (07) 5666 7258. You will find us at Suite 1/34-36 Adler Cct, Yarrabilba QLD 4207, open Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.