Are Mouthguards Effective for Reducing Jaw Tension?

Jaw tension is one of those sneaky stress symptoms we often ignore—until it causes headaches, poor sleep, or even cracked teeth.

One solution people turn to is a mouthguard.

But are mouthguards actually effective for reducing jaw tension—or just another medical placebo?

This article breaks it down from the lens of someone who’s tested it all: night guards, mouth taping, massages, you name it.

I’ll walk you through what works, what’s BS, and how to figure out if a mouthguard could actually help you.

1. What Causes Jaw Tension in the First Place?

Let’s start with root cause.

Most jaw tension isn’t caused by structural issues.

It’s stress, plain and simple.

We clench when:

• We’re anxious or overstimulated.
  
  
• We’re trying to “hold it together.”
  
  
• Our posture collapses (especially at screens).
  

Bruxism—grinding and clenching—is the physical expression of internal tension.

2. What Do Mouthguards Actually Do?

A mouthguard acts like a buffer between your upper and lower teeth.

But here’s the nuance.

It doesn’t stop you from clenching—it just absorbs the impact.

That’s like putting padding in your shoes without fixing your limp.

Helpful? Yes.

A cure? Not quite.

3. How Mouthguards May Reduce Muscle Strain

When you wear a mouthguard, your masseter muscles (the big ones at the side of your jaw) get to “rest” a little more.

They don’t have to contract as hard to achieve the same bite force.

That can lead to:

• Less soreness when you wake up.
  
  
• Fewer tension headaches.
  
  
• A more relaxed jaw over time.
  

4. The Role of Custom Fit vs OTC Guards

Fit matters more than people think.

Over-the-counter guards are better than nothing, but:

• They often feel bulky.
  
  
• They may not align your jaw properly.
  
  
• You might clench more to hold them in place.
  

A well-fitted guard—like one from Reviv—can help your jaw “remember” a neutral position.

5. Daytime vs Nighttime Clenching: Different Beasts

Nighttime clenching is subconscious.

You’re not aware you’re doing it.

Daytime clenching is often habitual—triggered by stress, posture, or emotion.

Mouthguards help with both, but for daytime, awareness and behavioral hacks matter more.

6. Are Soft Guards or Hard Guards Better?

Soft guards feel comfy at first.

But they can encourage more chewing or clenching.

Hard guards give more structure and durability.

If you’re a heavy grinder, hard guards win.

7. How I Realized My Jaw Was the Root of My Migraines

I had migraines for years.

Tried everything—CT scans, diet, blue light filters.

The breakthrough?

A dentist noticed wear on my molars and asked about clenching.

After using a mouthguard, 70% of my migraines vanished in 2 months.

8. The Nervous System Connection

Your jaw muscles are wired directly into the trigeminal nerve.

That’s one of the most sensitive nerves in your body.

When it’s inflamed, it can trigger:

• Facial pain
  
  
• Migraines
  
  
• Even anxiety
  

Reducing jaw tension lowers the “load” on this system.

9. Mouthguards and TMJ Disorders: Are They Enough?

Mouthguards help many with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain—but not all.

If your jaw is misaligned or you have arthritis, guards are only part of the puzzle.

You may need:

• PT for the jaw
  
  
• Manual therapy
  
  
• Postural correction
  

For more on TMJ-related solutions, see our blog post: [Internal Link: What causes TMJ pain and how can I treat it naturally?]

10. How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most people notice:

• Reduced soreness within 1 week
  
  
• Fewer headaches in 2–4 weeks
  
  
• Long-term change in 2–3 months
  

But consistency matters.

Wearing it nightly is non-negotiable.

11. Is It Worth the Cost?

Short answer: Yes.

Especially if you're spending hundreds on chiropractic, acupuncture, or migraine meds.

A good mouthguard pays for itself in avoided health costs.

12. What If I Still Clench with the Mouthguard?

You might.

But the force will be reduced.

Also, some guards retrain your bite over time.

If you're still waking up sore, it might be time to re-evaluate the fit.

13. Can Mouthguards Improve Sleep?

Absolutely.

Jaw clenching fragments sleep, even if you don’t remember waking up.

A guard that reduces tension can increase deep sleep cycles.

For more on sleep and jaw issues, see our post: [Internal Link: How Jaw Alignment Impacts Sleep: The Surprising Connections]

14. Mouthguards for Anxiety? Surprisingly, Yes.

Reducing muscle tension gives the nervous system a break.

For some, the physical relaxation leads to emotional calm.

It’s not a cure for anxiety—but it's a lever.

15. Mouthguard Hygiene: Don’t Skip This

Clean it daily.

Use:

• A toothbrush and water
  
  
• Antibacterial soap (no toothpaste—it’s abrasive)
  
  
• Occasional soak in denture cleaner
  

Otherwise, you’re breeding bacteria inches from your brain.

16. Kids and Teens with Jaw Tension

Teens under stress often clench just like adults.

A pediatric mouthguard (or orthodontic retainer) may help.

But behavioral support matters too—don’t ignore the root stress.

17. Why Most People Quit Mouthguards Too Soon

Discomfort.

Speech difficulty.

Drooling.

All normal at first.

Stick it out for two weeks. It gets better.

18. What Dentists Won’t Tell You

Not all dentists are trained in jaw biomechanics.

Some will sell you a $700 guard without addressing posture, sleep position, or stress.

Be an informed patient.

19. My Experience with Reviv

I’ve used 3 brands.

Reviv stood out for:

• Comfort
  
  
• Breathability
  
  
• Balance (didn’t feel like chewing gum)
  

It felt like my jaw could finally chill.

20. Mouthguards + Lifestyle = Real Results

Here’s the truth:

A mouthguard is a tool, not a miracle.

Pair it with:

• Nasal breathing
  
  
• Tongue posture
  
  
• Posture alignment
  
  
• Stress management
  

That’s when you win.

FAQs

Do mouthguards really stop clenching?
Not exactly. They cushion clenching and sometimes reduce it by retraining bite patterns.

Is it okay to wear a mouthguard every night?
Yes. In fact, consistency is key.

Can mouthguards cause more problems?
Only if they’re poorly fitted or too soft.

What’s the difference between dental and sports mouthguards?
Dental mouthguards are thinner and designed for sleep. Sports guards are bulkier.

Will insurance cover my mouthguard?
Sometimes. Ask your provider or dentist.

Can mouthguards help with neck pain too?
They can—especially if the neck pain is tied to jaw tension or posture.

What’s the best mouthguard for heavy clenchers?
A hard, custom-fit mouthguard like Reviv’s is ideal.

How do I clean my mouthguard?
Brush it daily and soak weekly in a gentle antibacterial solution.

Can kids wear mouthguards?
Yes, with dentist approval—especially if they grind teeth or play contact sports.

Is a nightguard the same as a splint?
 Not always. Splints are usually for more complex TMJ issues and may realign the jaw.

Conclusion

So, are mouthguards effective for reducing jaw tension?

Absolutely—if you pick the right one, wear it consistently, and treat it as part of a bigger strategy.

Don’t expect a miracle in 24 hours.

But if you give it a real shot, it can change your mornings, your mood, and maybe even your migraines.

Want relief from jaw tension?
Try the Reviv Mouthguard and feel the difference yourself.

👉 Buy here