Reading this makes me feel a little better about finally getting a night guard. I kept putting it off, thinking it was just another thing dentists push, but then I started waking up with headaches and sore jaws. The idea of sleeping with plastic in my mouth honestly stressed me out at first. But hearing that you barely notice it after a while is reassuring. I’d rather try herbal tea and stretches too, but I’m starting to think the guard might actually save me pain (and money) down the road. Dental work is so expensive... kind of wish I hadn’t waited this long either.
The idea of sleeping with plastic in my mouth honestly stressed me out at first.
Totally get that—it’s weird at first, but after a few nights it just becomes part of the routine. For me, the headaches were what finally convinced me. Did you notice your teeth feeling sensitive too, or was it mostly jaw pain?
Yeah, I felt super weird about it too. Honestly, I kept thinking I’d choke or something, even though that makes no sense. The first few nights I was so aware of the mouthguard I barely slept, but now I almost forget it’s there. I did notice my teeth were kind of sensitive in the mornings at first, like a dull ache? Not sure if it was from clenching or just getting used to the guard. Jaw pain was definitely worse before I started using it though. I was worried I’d never get used to sleeping with plastic in my mouth, but it’s way less stressful than waking up with a sore jaw every day. Still feels a bit odd sometimes, but not as bad as I thought.
I totally get what you mean about the weirdness at first. For me, the sensitivity faded after a couple weeks, but honestly, I’d take that over cracked teeth or worn enamel any day. Did your dentist say if clenching was causing the ache, or is it just adjusting?
For me, the sensitivity faded after a couple weeks, but honestly, I’d take that over cracked teeth or worn enamel any day.
Couldn’t agree more. I remember when I first started using a night guard, it felt so odd and my jaw was sore for a bit. Turned out it was just my muscles adjusting, not clenching. My dentist did mention sometimes the ache is just your mouth getting used to the new “normal.” It’s way better than dealing with chips or fractures down the line... hang in there, it usually gets easier.
