Reviewed by Dr. Harsh Patel, general dentist at Next Care Dental with advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Quick Answer
Mild soreness in the first few nights with a new night guard is common while your teeth and jaw get used to it. Pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks, gets worse, or always hits the same tooth usually means the guard needs a check. A dentist can often fix the fit in one short visit.
Is It Normal for a Night Guard to Hurt at First?
A little pressure or soreness at first is normal. Your teeth, gums and jaw muscles need time to get used to something new. For most people this fades over a few nights to a few weeks. Sharp pain, pain that gets worse, or soreness that stays all day is not normal. Call your dentist if that happens.
Why Do My Front Teeth Hurt After Wearing a Night Guard?
Front teeth are thinner and have smaller roots than back teeth, so they feel pressure first. If your front teeth ache or feel pushed, the guard may be too tight in the front, or it may hit the front teeth before the back teeth when you bite. Some guards also do not fit well anymore after dental work or after your teeth shift a little over time. A dentist can trim or adjust the front of the guard so the pressure spreads out.
Why Does My Night Guard Hurt One Tooth?
When only one tooth hurts, the guard is often pressing harder on that one spot. This can happen if you had a new filling or crown after the guard was made. The tooth itself may also have a problem, like a cavity, a crack or a worn filling. Because both are possible, have the guard and the tooth checked together.
Why Do My Back Teeth Hurt After Wearing a Night Guard?
Your back teeth take most of the force when you clench or grind at night. If the guard is uneven, worn thin or cracked, that force may land on just a few back teeth. Soreness there can also come from clenching itself. If it does not get better, bring the guard to your next visit so your dentist can check how you bite on it.
Why Does My Night Guard Hurt My Gums?
Sore or swollen gums usually mean an edge of the guard is rubbing, or the guard sits too low on the gums. Food or plaque trapped under the guard can also irritate the gums. Brush and floss before you put it in, and clean the guard every morning. If the gums stay sore or swollen, a dentist can smooth or trim the edges.
Why Do My Teeth or Bite Feel Weird After Wearing a Night Guard?
It is common for your bite to feel a little “off” for a few minutes after you take the guard out in the morning. Your jaw muscles have been resting in a new position all night. That feeling should go away soon after you wake up. If your bite still feels different later in the day, or your teeth do not fit together the way they used to, stop and have the guard checked.
Can a Night Guard Cause Jaw Pain?
Yes, sometimes. A guard that is too thick, uneven or poorly fitted can change how your jaw rests at night. Some jaw soreness can also come from grinding or clenching, which the guard is meant to protect against. If jaw pain gets worse or you hear clicking or feel locking, see your dentist.
Why Does My Night Guard Feel Tight?
A new custom guard often feels snug at first, and that snug fit is part of how it stays in place. If it feels tighter over time, hurts to put in, or will not seat all the way, your teeth may have shifted or the guard may have warped. Do not force it. Have it checked.
Can I Adjust My Night Guard Myself?
No. Do not file, cut, boil or reshape the guard at home. That can make the fit worse or crack it. A dentist can adjust it safely, often in a short visit.
Should I Stop Wearing My Night Guard If It Hurts?
Mild pressure in the first weeks is not a reason to stop. Stop wearing it and call your dentist if:
- One tooth keeps hurting
- Your bite feels different during the day
- Your gums are swollen or bleeding
- Your jaw pain is getting worse
- The guard is cracked, loose or no longer fits
When Should I See a Dentist About Night Guard Pain?
See a dentist if the pain does not get better after a couple of weeks, gets worse, stays on one tooth, or if the guard is damaged. Bring the guard with you so the dentist can check the fit.
At Next Care Dental, we can check your night guard and your teeth, adjust the fit, or make a new custom night guard molded to your bite. Call or text (713) 952-0522, or book online. Visits are by appointment only.
Related: Custom vs. Store-Bought Night Guards