I get what you're saying—night guards can feel pretty awkward at first, and some people never fully adjust. But honestly, ignoring teeth grinding isn't the best idea long-term. Even if it doesn't seem like a big deal now, grinding can gradually wear down your enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, and even lead to jaw pain or headaches.
One thing I've noticed with patients is that sometimes the discomfort comes from a guard that's too bulky or rigid. A thinner, custom-fit guard (usually made by your dentist) can make a huge difference. Also, material matters—some folks do better with softer materials, others prefer something firmer. If you're still struggling after months, it might be worth discussing these options with your dentist. It's not unusual to need adjustments or even try out different styles before finding the right fit.
Bottom line: don't just ignore it...your teeth and jaw will thank you later.
I've been wondering about this too. Tried a night guard for a few weeks, but it felt like I was sleeping with a hockey puck in my mouth, lol. Interesting you mention custom-fit ones being thinner and more comfortable...maybe that's where I went wrong. Has anyone here switched from over-the-counter guards to custom ones and noticed a big improvement? Curious if it's really worth the extra cost.
"Tried a night guard for a few weeks, but it felt like I was sleeping with a hockey puck in my mouth, lol."
Haha, totally relate to this feeling—I went through the same thing with those drugstore guards. Switched to a custom-fit one about a year ago, and honestly, it's night and day difference. They're slimmer and way less intrusive...I actually forget I'm wearing mine sometimes. Pricey upfront, sure, but I've noticed fewer headaches and less jaw soreness since making the switch. Personally think it's worth it if you can swing the cost.
Switched to a custom-fit one about a year ago, and honestly, it's night and day difference. They're slimmer and way less intrusive...I actually forget I'm wearing mine sometimes.
I've been wondering about this myself. A few years back, my dentist suggested a night guard too, but I just couldn't get used to it—felt like I was chewing on rubber tires all night. Eventually, I gave up and didn't bother replacing it. But now I'm thinking...is ignoring it really that bad? I mean, has anyone actually had serious dental issues from grinding long-term, or is it mostly discomfort and headaches we're talking about?
I've been dealing with teeth grinding for decades, and I can tell you from personal experience that ignoring it isn't always harmless. Initially, I thought it was just a minor annoyance—waking up with a sore jaw or occasional headaches—but over time, the damage became more noticeable. My dentist pointed out significant enamel wear, and I even cracked a molar once, which was not only painful but also expensive to fix.
That said, I completely understand your frustration with night guards. The first one I had was bulky and uncomfortable, and I couldn't sleep properly with it either. But after discussing it with my dentist, I tried a different approach. Instead of the traditional night guard, I opted for a smaller, custom-fitted splint that only covers the front teeth. It felt less intrusive, and after a short adjustment period, I barely noticed it anymore.
I guess my point is, while some people might get away with ignoring teeth grinding without serious consequences, others (like me) aren't so lucky. Long-term grinding can lead to more than just discomfort—it can cause structural damage to your teeth, gum recession, and even affect your bite alignment. It's not guaranteed to happen to everyone, but it's definitely a risk worth considering.
If the standard night guard didn't work for you, maybe it's worth exploring other options? There are different styles and materials available now, and finding the right fit can make a huge difference. Just something to think about before deciding to ignore it completely...
