Dental Night Guard Side Effects & How to Deal with Them

Night Guards Can Cause Irritation and Minor Discomfort

Many night guard users might experience irritation and minor discomfort when they start using the device as it is a foreign object in their mouth. It may feel strange initially, but it will begin to feel natural the more you wear it.

Keep in mind that you should not be experiencing pain. This means that something is wrong, and you need to determine the reason for the pain. If you feel pain when wearing the night guard, consider the type you are using. It could mean that the device doesn’t fit well in your mouth, and you should think about wearing a custom-made device from a reputable company.

Wearing Your Mouth Guard Can Cause Soreness and Pressure

If you notice that your gums, jaw, and teeth are sore, there may be something wrong with your night guard. Don’t ignore soreness or pressure because it can mean that the night guard doesn’t fit well. In addition, pressure from the night guard can cause misalignment or shifting of your teeth, which can cause more costly dental problems.

The best way to ensure you aren’t experiencing soreness or pressure from your device is to switch to a custom-made night guard. An impression will get made of your mouth for a night guard that fits snuggly on your teeth without pressure or discomfort.

Another cause of pain when wearing a night guard is the material used to make your device. Some over the counter or one-size-fits-all-night guards have sharp edges that can hurt your gums and jaw. In addition, they are not compatible with your mouth.

Night Guard Sometimes Causes Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

Sometimes, night guards cause dry mouth when the device is too thick, making your lips part. When you sleep with your mouth open, it will become dry from breathing.

Putting anything foreign in our mouths without cleaning it will cause bacteria to grow, resulting in infections and bad breath. Practice good routine hygiene by brushing your teeth before putting in the device and cleaning and sanitizing your night guard daily. Cleaning your night guard each day will also ensure it will last longer too!

Mouth Guards Can Cause Jaw Misalignment

A less common side effect of night guards is jaw misalignment and pain. Jaw misalignment can cause your Bruxism symptoms to worsen, so if you notice this side effect, stop using the night guard immediately and consult your dentist. This can even develop into a more serious problem - temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).