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How to Alleviate Jaw Pain After Wearing Night Guard

How to Alleviate Jaw Pain After Wearing a Night Guard

Why Does Your Night Guard Cause Jaw Pain?

Night guards are designed to protect teeth from grinding and relieve TMJ pressure, but they can cause jaw pain for some individuals. 

If your night guard doesn’t fit properly, it may increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw pain, headaches, or worsened TMJ symptoms. 

If you’ve found yourself saying, My night guard gives me headachesor worrying that a night guard can make TMJ worse,” you’re not alone. While night guards can offer relief, an ill-fitting guard can cause discomfort, increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and lead to a new set of issues. You might even wonder, can hard night guard damage teeth? The truth is, if your night guard isn’t properly aligned with your bite, it could be doing more harm than good.

Read More: How to Clean a Night Guard: Tips for Freshness and Durability

2. Why Jaw Pain Occurs with Night Guards

Here’s why you may experience jaw pain after wearing a night guard, based on common causes and expert insights:

a. Fit and Alignment Issues 

  • An improper fit of the night guard can cause pressure on certain parts of your jaw, leading to pain or discomfort. This is often seen with off-the-shelf night guards that don’t conform to the unique shape of your teeth.
  • A poorly fitted night guard can also cause tooth misalignment, which places additional strain on your jaw and may worsen discomfort.

b.  Exacerbation of Underlying TMJ 

  • If you already have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or jaw muscle tension, wearing a night guard could potentially aggravate these problems. The appliance might add more pressure to the jaw, making TMJ symptoms worse.
  • For individuals with TMJ, certain types of night guards might be too rigid or not correctly designed to provide adequate relief, leading to increased jaw discomfort.

To prevent or manage jaw pain caused by a night guard, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist. 

Read More: Can You Drink Water with a Night Guard In? What Dentists Recommend

How to Alleviate Jaw Pain After Wearing a Night Guard

3. Simple At-Home Remedies 

Jaw pain, often linked to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, can be a challenge to manage. Fortunately, there are several at-home remedies you can try to alleviate discomfort and improve jaw mobility, especially if you’re dealing with pain related to using a night guard. Below are some practical solutions:

a. Warm Compresses 

Using a warm compress can help relax the muscles around the jaw. Heat promotes blood flow and can reduce muscle stiffness. Simply soak a cloth in warm water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. This can be especially helpful after wearing a night guard, which may exacerbate jaw tension.

b. Jaw Stretching Exercises 

Performing gentle jaw exercises can help relieve muscle tension and increase the range of motion. Exercises like :

  • Goldfish exercise (gently placing your fingers on your jaw and chin while opening and closing your mouth) can be effective in relaxing the jaw muscles. 
  • Additionally, side-to-side movements and tongue exercises can stretch the jaw muscles, reducing pain over time.

Read More: Can You Whiten Veneers? How to Brighten Your Smile Without Damage

How to Alleviate Jaw Pain After Wearing a Night Guard

4. Long Term Solutions 

Custom Night Guards 

  • Precision Fit: A custom-made night guard is designed specifically for your mouth, ensuring better comfort and effectiveness in alleviating jaw pain.
  • Benefits: Helps protect teeth from grinding and clenching, reducing the risk of damage and TMJ-related symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension.
  • Minimizes Risks: Unlike over-the-counter options, custom night guards reduce the chances of “night guard making TMJ worse” by ensuring the guard fits perfectly, preventing further jaw strain.

Consult a Dentist 

  • Professional Adjustments: If you experience ongoing jaw pain or headaches, it’s essential to consult a dentist to assess if your current night guard is appropriate. They can make necessary adjustments for better comfort and pain relief.
  • Avoiding Harm: Poorly fitted or overly hard night guards can potentially cause issues such as “can hard night guard damage teeth” or worsen TMJ symptoms. Professional evaluation ensures your guard does not exacerbate these conditions.

If your night guard causes ongoing issues, consult a dentist for adjustments to avoid complications like headaches or worsening TMJ symptoms.

Read More: Exploring Effective Methods of Teeth Whitening at Dentist:What You Need To Know

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FAQs 

1. Why does my jaw hurt after wearing a night guard?    

Jaw pain can result from an improper fit, excessive pressure, or underlying TMJ issues. A poorly fitted night guard can cause discomfort by misaligning your bite.

2. Can a night guard make TMJ worse?    

Yes, if the night guard is not properly aligned or is too hard, it can worsen TMJ symptoms by adding extra pressure to the jaw.

3. Can hard night guards damage my teeth?    

Hard night guards can potentially damage teeth if they don’t fit well, as they may cause uneven pressure or excessive grinding.

4. Why does my night guard give me headaches?    

Headaches may occur if the night guard alters your bite or is too tight, causing tension in your jaw muscles.

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