A night guard usually does not stop the brain-driven habit of clenching or grinding. It mainly protects your teeth by creating a barrier and spreading out forces while you sleep.
You can still grind on the guard, but your enamel stays safer. See the Sleep Foundation’s summary that night guards usually do not stop clenching or grinding, but do protect teeth and reduce symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic explains that splints and mouth guards keep the top and bottom teeth separated, which helps prevent damage from clenching and grinding.
How a night guard helps day to day
- Creates a smooth surface between your teeth, which reduces wear and chips. (Mayo Clinic)
- Can ease morning jaw soreness for many people by cushioning heavy bite forces. (Sleep Foundation)
What a night guard does not do
It is not a cure for sleep bruxism. Some people still clench or grind on the guard, which is expected. A classic evidence review found limited proof that occlusal splints reduce grinding episodes themselves, even though they protect teeth from wear (Cochrane summary). 
Tips to get the best results
- Choose a custom-fitted guard for comfort and stable coverage.
- Keep a simple routine: rinse after use, clean daily, and let it dry in a ventilated case.
- Reduce common triggers like late caffeine and stress, and talk to your dentist if snoring or possible sleep apnea is in the mix.
Easy adds from Remi
- Protect your teeth while you sleep with a Remi Custom Night Guard.
- Keep your guard fresh with Night Guard Cleaning + Teeth Whitening Foam, and consider an Ultrasonic Cleaner for quick, consistent cleaning.
