How to Get Used to Wearing a Night Guard
17th Jan 2025
If you’re struggling to get used to wearing a mouth guard, you’re not alone. It can feel anything but weird at first—like your mouth is too full, or the guard is feeling a bit too snug and tight. You might even drool more or have trouble falling asleep. The good news? This is all completely normal, and with a bit of patience, it will get easier.
One would probably be wondering how long the adjustment will take, what you can do to feel more comfortable, and if it’s okay to skip a night or two. This article will cover all those questions and share simple tips to help you adjust faster.
Why It Feels Uncomfortable to Wear a Night Guard at First
A person wearing a dental appliance for the first time can feel awkwardly strange. Your mouth isn’t used to having something in it while you sleep, so it might take a lot of practice (or more) to adjust.
Here are some common reasons it feels uncomfortable:
Tight Fit: Mouthpiece must fit snugly to stay in place in order to offer protection to your teeth from grinding aka bruxism, which can cause initial tension in your teeth or jaw.
Extra Saliva: Your brain might have an impression of the dental device as food, tricking the mind to increased saliva production and occasional drooling.
Jaw Soreness or Tightness: Grinding or clenching your teeth may result in tightening of jaw muscles or soreness when you first start wearing the guard.
Dry Mouth or Drooling: Reactions vary—some people drool, while others experience dry mouth, depending on individual responses.
Gag Reflex Issues: If your tongue is sensitive, the night guard might trigger a habit of gag reflex at first, but this usually eases with time.
Related Articles:
- Bite Feels Different After New Night Guard
- Is Your Night Guard Uncomfortable?
- How Should a Night Guard Fit?
What’s Normal vs. What’s Not?
- Normal: Mild soreness, light headaches, drooling, or tightness for the first few nights.
- Not Normal: Case of sharp pain, constant discomfort, or the guard slipping off your teeth.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to a Night Guard?
Getting used to wearing a night guard can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Everyone’s experience is different, but with consistency, most people find symptoms of discomfort fade over time.
What Affects the Adjustment Period?
Types of Night Guard:
Soft night guards are typically more comfortable and easier to get used to. Hard night guards offer better durability but can feel bulkier, requiring a longer adjustment period.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Fit:
Custom-fit mouth guards from your dentist or an online retailer offer the best materials for comfort and quicker adaptation. Store-bought guards, on the other hand, may take longer to adjust to since they aren't tailored to your mouth.
Individual Sensitivities:
Those patients with a sensitive gag reflex or TMJ disorder may need more time to feel comfortable. Chances are, people with anxiety about dental devices might also require a longer adjustment period.
How Consistently You Wear It:
Wearing the night guard consistently every night helps your mouth adjust faster, while skipping nights can slow down the process.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Typical Timeline for Adjustment
Finding the right kind of night guard that suits your mouth's unique shape can greatly enhance your comfort and make the adjustment period way much smoother.
1-5 Days:
This is often the most challenging part of the adjustment. The night guard may feel uncomfortable, causing minor soreness or discomfort in your teeth. Some people might wake up during the night.
First 1-2 Weeks:
Things usually start to improve during this phase. Discomfort lessens, though occasional night waking may still occur. Many people begin noticing symptom relief at this stage.
First 1-3 Months:
By now, the night guard should feel much more comfortable. Most people can sleep through the night and experience effective symptom management.
After 3 Months:
At this point, the night guard typically feels completely comfortable and almost unnoticeable. Many people experience full relief from bruxism-related pain.
Note: If you’re still experiencing discomfort after 2–3 weeks, it might be worth having an office appointment with your dentist for an adjustment. Don’t ignore persistent discomfort—it could mean the fit isn’t right.
Related Articles:
- How Long Does it Take for a Night Guard to Work?
- Wearing a Night Guard: Pros and Cons
- Dental Night Guard Side Effects: Most Common Issues
Signs You’re Adjusting Well
- You sleep through the night without waking up from discomfort.
- Drooling has reduced, and your jaw feels relaxed in the morning.
- The night guard stays in place without the risk of shifting position during sleep.
10 Strategies on How to Get Comfortable with Your Night Guard
Adjusting to a night guard can take some time, but don’t worry! These simple tips and solutions can make the process smoother.
1. Ease Into It Gradually
- Start by wearing your night guard for 15–30 minutes during the day.
- Work up to half the night, then all night.
- Use it during relaxing activities like watching TV to help your mouth adjust.
2. Make Sure It Fits Well
- If it feels uncomfortable, ask your dentist to adjust it.
- Custom night guards made from quality material fit better and have the ability to reduce discomfort if store-bought ones aren't working.
3. Find the Right Guard for You
- Soft Guards: Comfortable for light grinders.
- Hard Guards: Best for heavy grinders but may take longer to adjust.
- Hybrid Guards: A variety that offers a balance between comfort and durability.
4. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Pair your night guard with soothing activities like reading or calming music.
5. Try Relaxation Exercises Before Bed
- Deep Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold, and exhale slowly. Repeat 5 times.
- Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax muscles from your toes to your head.
6. Keep Your Guard Clean and Fresh
- Cleaning it every morning by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush with water (no toothpaste!).
- Soak it weekly in a denture or night guard cleaner solution to keep bacteria away for better hygiene and overall oral health.
- Incorporating a soothing mouthwash into your nighttime routine can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed as you adjust to wearing your night guard.
7. Use Jaw Exercises for Soreness
- Jaw Stretch: Open your mouth wide (without jaw pain) and hold for 5–10 seconds.
- Side-to-Side Move: Gently shift your jaw from left to right a few times.
8. Stay Consistent—Don’t Skip Nights
- Skipping nights will slow your progress. The more you wear it, the faster you’ll adjust.
9. Explore Other Options if Needed
- Daytime Dental Appliances: Use during the day to avoid clenching.
- Botox: Helps reduce severe jaw muscle activity.
- Stress Relief: Managing stress can ease teeth grinding.
10. Talk to Your Dentist about other Alternative Care Treatments
- Your dentist might advice thinner splints or bite plates or recommend a behavioral therapy option to stop clenching habits.
Conclusion: Stick with It—You'll Get Used to It
Adjusting to a night guard takes time, but consistency is key. It’s normal to feel discomfort at first, like tight pressure on the gums or drooling, but these problems will fade with regular use. As you wear your night guard consistently, your body will transition to adapt to the new sensation, making it easier to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.
If it still feels uncomfortable after a few weeks, visit your dentist for adjustments or try a different type of treatment.
Wearing your night guard every night protects your teeth and prevents long-term damage. Additionally, if you suffer from sleep apnea, wearing a night guard can help mitigate some of the symptoms, leading to a more restful night's sleep.
Stay patient and keep at it—soon it will feel natural, and your teeth (and sleep) will thank you!
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
