Mouthguard Myths Debunked: What They Do (and Don’t) Fix

You wake up sore.
Your dentist sees enamel wear.
You’re told, “Just get a night guard.”

So you do.
But nothing changes.
Or worse—it gets worse.

That’s because most people—and even some dentists—treat mouthguards like magic fixes.

The truth?
Most mouthguards protect your teeth.
Few actually fix the problem.

Let’s bust the most common myths about mouthguards—so you know what they really do, what they don’t, and what to use instead if you want long-term relief and facial support.

🧠 First, What Is a Mouthguard Supposed to Do?

In theory, a mouthguard should:

• Prevent teeth grinding and wear (bruxism)
  
  
• Relieve pressure on the jaw joint (TMJ)
  
  
• Minimize clenching damage
  
  
• Protect dental work
  
  
• Help manage mild sleep bruxism
  

But the effectiveness depends entirely on:

• The type of guard
  
  
• The jaw position it promotes
  
  
• Whether it supports breathing, posture, and decompression
  

Let’s debunk the hype.

❌ Myth #1: “All Mouthguards Do the Same Thing”

Reality:
There are major differences between types of guards.

Don’t just “get a guard.”
Get one that supports how your jaw should rest.

🛒 Try Reviv here

❌ Myth #2: “Mouthguards Stop You From Clenching”

Reality:
They don’t.
They just block your teeth from touching.

But your brain is still sending clench signals.
That pressure builds in your:

• TMJ joint
  
  
• Neck
  
  
• Cheeks
  
  
• Temples
  

And many guards lock your jaw in a clenched position, reinforcing the habit.

Only decompression-focused designs like Reviv actually:

• Reduce clench intensity
  
  
• Retrain your nervous system to relax
  
  
• Promote proper tongue and jaw posture
  

❌ Myth #3: “If It’s Comfortable, It’s Working”

Reality:
Comfort ≠ correction.

Most soft guards feel good at first—because they cushion the pressure.
But they often:

• Encourage more clenching
  
  
• Collapse into your bite pattern
  
  
• Don’t support jaw alignment
  
  
• Don’t help with breathing or posture
  

You need a guard that feels neutral + supported—not just squishy.

❌ Myth #4: “Once You Get a Guard, You’re Done”

Reality:
A mouthguard is a tool—not a cure.

To actually fix the root cause of clenching or TMJ dysfunction, you also need to:

• Breathe through your nose
  
  
• Support tongue-up posture
  
  
• Reset your head and jaw alignment
  
  
• Reduce nervous system tension
  
  
• Check your daytime clenching (yes, it's a thing)
  

Think of a good mouthguard like a posture trainer for your face.
 You still have to do the work.

 

❌ Myth #5: “Guards Are Just for Grinding”

Reality:
Clenching is more common—and more damaging.

Grinding = movement
Clenching = constant pressure

Most people clench while:

• Sleeping
  
  
• Working
  
  
• Driving
  
  
• Scrolling
  
  
• Focusing hard
  

And unless your mouthguard supports decompression (like Reviv), it won’t help this.

 

✅ What the Right Mouthguard Should Do

A modern, functional mouthguard like Reviv should:

✔ Decompress your TMJ
✔ Keep your jaw slightly forward—not locked back
✔ Support nasal breathing and closed-lip posture
✔ Allow micro-movements without friction
✔ Train the aesthetic rest position
✔ Be comfortable enough to wear consistently
✔ Help your face look more balanced over time
✔ Be remoldable as your posture and bite improve

🛒 That’s exactly what Reviv does—learn more here

🧠 FAQ

Q: My dentist gave me a $600 splint. Is that better than Reviv?
It depends. If it locks your jaw or worsens clenching, it might not help. Reviv is remoldable, posture-aware, and designed for muscle relaxation—not just protection.

Q: Can I use Reviv if I don’t grind, just clench?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s ideal for clenchers who don’t know they're doing it.

Q: Do I need to wear it forever?
No. Many users start with nightly wear, then reduce as posture, tongue habits, and breathing improve.

Q: Can I wear it during the day?
 Yes—for short work blocks or stress-heavy situations. It helps retrain rest posture while keeping your jaw relaxed.

 

🔁 TL;DR – Mouthguard Myths Debunked

 

Final Word

A mouthguard can be a life-changing tool.
Or a band-aid that hides the problem.

Choose one that supports alignment, decompression, and retraining—not just tooth protection.

🛒 Start with Reviv—the guard that actually fixes what matters.