Many individuals grind or clench their teeth while asleep and are not even aware they are doing so.
The strong vertical forces of grinding causes muscle pain around the cheeks and jaw and can lead to chipped or flat teeth, which may become sensitive due to excessive wear, and can also cause your gums to recede. For that, you may need to wear a occulusal splint.
A occulusal splint is a protective mouthpiece, custom fitted to your mouth that helps protect your teeth, gums, and jaws from the damaging effects of bruxism. It prevents the destruction of your teeth by preventing them from grinding together. They can also reduce any grinding noises you make at night.
It acts like a tough protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth during sleep to prevent contact, and reduce further damage and injury to the teeth, arches, lips, and gums.
A occulusal splint helps to even out the pressure across your jaw by providing a layer of cushioning between the upper and lower teeth, as well as protects and supports the jaw muscles from this extreme tension.
It works simply by discouraging the bite, and you will find yourself finally freed from nagging jaw and facial pain.
A occulusal splint is generally a soft, thin, non-bulky, comfortable appliance which is usually made of bendy rubber or plastic. It fits between the upper and lower sets of teeth to keep them from touching.

A night guard helps protect your teeth and prevent long-term, permanent damage in your sleep, due to grinding or clenching your teeth, which is hazardous to your long-term dental health.
The night guard will not cause you to clinch the teeth any less, but it will protect the teeth it covers.