The Pros and Cons of Sleeping with a Mouthguard

If you’re waking up with jaw pain, sore teeth, or mysterious headaches…
You’ve probably been told: “Just get a night guard.”

And while sleeping with a mouthguard can be a game-changer, it's not a magic fix—and it's definitely not one-size-fits-all.

So in this post, we’re giving you the no-fluff, honest breakdown of what it’s really like to sleep with a mouthguard:

• The benefits nobody talks about
  
  
• The downsides you should be aware of
  
  
• And how to decide if it’s worth it (spoiler: for most people, it is)
  

✅ PRO #1: It Protects Your Teeth from Grinding Damage

Let’s start with the obvious.

If you grind or clench your teeth at night (aka bruxism), a mouthguard:

• Prevents enamel wear and cracking
  
  
• Absorbs the pressure from clenching
  
  
• Saves you from expensive dental repairs (crowns, fillings, root canals)
  

Even light clenchers can flatten their molars over time.
 And once your enamel is gone—it doesn’t come back.

✅ PRO #2: Reduces Jaw Tension and Facial Pain

Grinding doesn’t just affect your teeth—it overloads your TMJ, jaw muscles, and even your neck.

Sleeping with a well-designed night guard:

• Reduces pressure on the TMJ
  
  
• Helps muscles relax
  
  
• Prevents morning tension headaches
  
  
• Eases neck, shoulder, and facial tightness
  

Especially if your guard supports jaw alignment (like Reviv).

✅ PRO #3: Can Improve Sleep Quality (Surprisingly)

Most people don’t realize this until after a few nights of wearing one:

When your jaw feels supported and relaxed, your nervous system can finally settle into deep sleep.

✅ Fewer nighttime awakenings
✅ More REM and deep sleep
✅ Less snoring (especially if it keeps your jaw closed and promotes nasal breathing)
✅ Wake up feeling rested, not foggy or fatigued

It’s like putting your jaw in a hammock—and your whole body follows.

✅ PRO #4: Supports Nasal Breathing and Mouth Closure

Open-mouth sleeping dries out your mouth and throat, worsens snoring, and leads to cavities and bad breath.

A good mouthguard can:

• Keep your jaw in a closed, neutral position
  
  
• Encourage lips to seal
  
  
• Promote nasal breathing (which is healthier and more oxygen-efficient)
  

Bonus: Less dry mouth = fewer dental issues down the line.

✅ PRO #5: Prevents Costly Dental Procedures

Here’s the money math:

🧾 One cracked molar = $1,000+ crown
🧾 Gum recession = $2,000+ grafts
🧾 Dental splint from a clinic = $800+

The Reviv Mouth Guard costs under $50—and protects you from thousands in preventable damage.

⚠️ CON #1: Some Mouthguards Are Uncomfortable or Bulky

Let’s be real:
Many drugstore “boil-and-bite” guards are:

• Too thick
  
  
• Poorly shaped
  
  
• Hard to breathe or talk with
  
  
• Fall out or feel like a chew toy
  

That’s why many people give up after one night.

The fix: Choose a slim, remoldable, alignment-supporting option like Reviv that fits comfortably and stays in.

⚠️ CON #2: Adjustment Period Can Be Awkward

Sleeping with something in your mouth is weird at first.
You might:

• Salivate more than usual
  
  
• Feel like you have a lisp (if talking with it)
  
  
• Wake up once or twice during night 1 or 2
  

But: By night 3 or 4, most users forget they’re even wearing it.

Pro tip: Wear it for 20 minutes before bed the first few nights to adjust faster.

⚠️ CON #3: Some Guards Worsen Jaw Position

This one’s important.

If a night guard is too thick or not aligned to your bite, it can:

• Push your jaw backward
  
  
• Worsen TMJ symptoms
  
  
• Increase clenching instead of reducing it
  

So if you’ve tried a generic pharmacy guard and felt worse? That’s probably why.

Choose one that supports natural jaw alignment—not just blocks your teeth from touching.

⚠️ CON #4: Not a Cure—Just a Tool

A mouthguard doesn’t fix the root causes of grinding or clenching, which can include:

• Stress
  
  
• Sleep apnea
  
  
• Misaligned bite
  
  
• Mouth breathing
  
  
• Nutrient deficiencies
  

That said—it’s an essential part of a multifaceted solution.

Think of it like a seatbelt: it protects you while you work on the root cause.

Final Verdict: Is Sleeping with a Mouthguard Worth It?

✅ If you grind, clench, or wake up with tension
✅ If you want to prevent costly dental damage
✅ If you’re not sleeping deeply due to jaw discomfort
✅ If you’re tired of dry mouth or snoring…

Then yes—it’s 100% worth it.

Just make sure you:

• Choose a design that supports alignment
  
  
• Can remold it if needed
  
  
• Actually feel comfortable enough to wear it nightly
  

👉 Get the Reviv Mouth Guard here
It’s thin, effective, remoldable, and made to wear—not just own.

FAQs

1. Will a mouthguard stop grinding completely?
Not necessarily—but it protects your teeth and can reduce clenching reflexes over time, especially when paired with jaw alignment and relaxation techniques.

2. Is it uncomfortable to sleep with?
Only if it’s bulky or poorly molded. A good fit (like Reviv) feels natural after a few nights.

3. Will I drool more with a mouthguard?
Possibly at first, but your body adjusts quickly.

4. Can I wear a mouthguard with dental work?
Yes—Reviv is compatible with most crowns, fillings, and bridges.

5. Can I wear it during the day too?
 Yes—many users wear a second one during work or stressful activities to stop daytime clenching.