Teeth are not naturally worn. When your dentist or hygienist recommends a guard it is because the see signs of wear on your teeth. Your teeth tell a story. They fit together like puzzle pieces and show where they like to touch. When a grinding pattern is noted, a guard is recommended to protect the teeth and the jaw joint and muscles. This guard usually will not stop the patient from grinding but will protect the teeth and keep them from wearing away. If a patient is having jaw or muscle pain early in the mornings, this is a good sign that they are clenching or grinding their teeth at night. The guard will help to greatly reduce this pain by allowing the jaw joint to relax.