How night guards reduce TMJ discomfort?

If you've ever woken up with a dull ache in your jaw or felt a sharp pain near your ears while chewing or talking, you might be dealing with TMJ disorder—also known as TMD. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, and when something goes wrong with it, you can experience discomfort, limited jaw movement, headaches, and even neck pain.

One commonly suggested solution for easing TMJ pain is a night guard. But do they help? The short answer is yes, but not all night guards are the same, and they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. In this article, we'll break down what TMJ disorder is, how night guards function, and whether one might be the right fit for you.

What is TMJ disorder?

Your temporomandibular joints are found on both sides of your face, right in front of your ears. They allow you to chew, talk, yawn, and smile. TMJ disorder can arise from several causes, including:

Teeth grinding and TMJ
Jaw clenching
A misaligned bite
Arthritis
Jaw injuries
Stress

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder

Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping when you move your jaw
A locked jaw
Headaches or earaches
Trouble opening or closing your mouth
Facial soreness
Pain around the neck and shoulders

What is a night guard?

A night guard, also known as a bite guard or occlusal splint, is a dental appliance you wear while sleeping. It forms a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching—two of the primary causes of TMJ pain.

Night guards are usually made from plastic. While you can buy over-the-counter versions, custom-fitted ones from your dentist tend to be more effective.

How night guards reduce TMJ discomfort

Relieve jaw muscle tension

By putting a cushion between your teeth and redistributing bite pressure, night guards let your jaw muscles relax, which can ease pain and reduce inflammation.

Prevent teeth grinding and clenching

Night guards also guard against enamel wear, chipping, and cracking—problems that grinding can cause. They help prevent worsening jaw misalignment, too.

Help realign the jaw

Grinding often happens unconsciously during sleep. Night guards stop your teeth from making direct contact, protecting your jaw from unnecessary strain.

Protect your teeth

Custom night guards can sometimes reposition your jaw slightly, bringing it into a more comfortable and neutral position that takes pressure off your TMJ.

Types of night guard for TMJ

Not all night guards are built the same. Here are your options:

Soft night guards

Best for mild grinding
Made of flexible plastic
Comfortable but less durable
May not be effective for moderate to severe TMJ

Hard night guards

Ideal for heavy grinding
Made from tough plastic
Offer strong bite stabilization
Can feel bulky at first, but are often more effective

Dual laminate night guards

Combine a soft interior with a hard exterior
Great for moderate grinding
More durable than soft guards
More comfortable than hard guards

Over-the-counter night guards

Found in drugstores or online
Usually boil-and-bite models
Not customized to your bite
May worsen symptoms if they don't fit properly

Why go custom-made?

While store-bought night guards may seem easier and cheaper, they can exacerbate TMJ symptoms if they don't fit correctly. Custom-made guards are:

Tailored to your bite
More durable
Designed based on your dental impressions
More effective in targeting your specific jaw alignment issues

Caspersmile night guard

Guard your grin with Caspersmile Night Guard while you sleep. We offer customized night guards to meet each individual's requirements. Moreover, you can choose from three thickness options according to the severity of your grinding or clenching.

Safeguard your smile while you sleep.

Choose from Caspersmile hard, soft, and hybrid night guards that perfectly fit your needs.

Shop now

How to order Caspersmile night guard

Order our night guard and receive an impression kit at your doorstep.
Follow the guidelines to create your impressions for a perfect fit and send the impressions back to us.
Receive your customized night guard at your doorstep and secure your smile.

Extra tips for managing TMJ pain

Night guards are helpful, but they're usually just one piece of the treatment puzzle. Try adding these strategies:

Jaw exercises or physical therapy

Stretching and strengthening exercises from a TMJ specialist can help reduce tension.

Hot or cold compresses

Applying heat or cold can reduce swelling and relax the muscles around your jaw.

Stress management

Since stress can lead to jaw clenching, techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing may help.

Change your diet

Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing gum, hard snacks, or anything that strains your jaw.

Use medications if needed

Pain relievers or muscle relaxants can provide short-term relief as you start treatment.

Call us at +44 20 3872 2812 to learn more about Caspersmile Night Guard.

TMJ pain relief

If TMJ pain is disrupting your life, a night guard can be a game-changer. It relieves pressure, protects your teeth, and helps your jaw muscles relax. But remember—it's not a cure, just part of a larger solution.

TMJ affects the jaw joint, causing discomfort and limiting function
Night guards can ease symptoms by preventing grinding and reducing tension
Custom guards work better than generic store-bought ones
Relief may take time, but it is more likely with consistent use
Combining your night guard with lifestyle changes and expert care leads to better results

Waking up with a sore jaw or frequent headaches? A custom night guard could be your first step toward a better night's sleep and a pain-free day. Talk to your dentist or TMJ expert to get started.

FAQs

Do night guards help with TMJ pain? +

Yes, a night guard can reduce teeth grinding and clenching, which helps relieve TMJ pain.

What is the 3-finger test for TMJ? +

Try to place all three fingers into your open mouth, up to the second knuckle. If you can fit all three fingers comfortably, your jaw likely has a healthy range of motion. If you can't—or if there's pain, resistance, or clicking, it may point to a restriction or joint issue.

How to relieve TMJ pain at night? +

By wearing a night guard, you can help relieve TMJ pain and enjoy a peaceful sleep.

Is TMJ a lifelong condition? +

TMJ pain can be temporary and is often manageable with night guards, exercises, and lifestyle changes.

https://caspersmile.uk/blogs/blog/signs-you-need-teeth-clenching-guard

References

Ferneini EM. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34620421/). J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Oct;79(10):2171-2172. Accessed 5/15/2023.

Kalladka M, Young A, Thomas D, Heir GM, Quek SYP, Khan J. The relation of temporomandibular disorders and dental occlusion: a narrative review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35274511/). Quintessence Int. 2022 Apr 5;53(5):450-459. Accessed 5/15/2023.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (U.S.). TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) (https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd). Accessed 5/15/2023.

National Library of Medicine (U.S.). Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (https://medlineplus.gov/temporomandibularjointdysfunction.html). Accessed 5/15/2023.

Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?