Sleeping with a Mouth Guard: How Many Hours Is Safe?

You’ve probably been told to wear a sleeping mouth guard for grinding teeth if you’re battling with bruxism. Perhaps your dentist has used words like dental night guard for sleep or bruxism sleep mouthpiece; they’re the same thing. A dental appliance that protects your teeth and jaw while you grind your teeth during sleep.

But a question many people ask is: how long to wear a night guard? And is it safe to keep it in your mouth all night, every night? Are there any mouth guard side effects you should worry about?

So, let’s address all these questions and clarify the matter on night guard safety.

Why You Need a Sleeping Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is quite common, unlike what most people think. As one study highlights, the global prevalence of bruxism is 22.22%. That means millions of people clench or grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it.

And if left as it is, bruxism can lead to:

• Worn-down or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain and tension headaches
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues
• Interrupted sleep patterns

That’s where a mouth guard for grinding teeth in sleep comes in. Creating a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, this guard absorbs the pressure and prevents damage.

How Long to Wear a Night Guard

The short answer: All night.

A dental night guard for sleep is supposed to be worn for the entire duration of your sleep. Since you’re more prone to grinding your teeth during sleep, you have to wear it for that whole time. Plus, in some cases, when you wear it throughout the night, it trains your jaw muscles to relax over time.

Consequently, skipping nights or wearing it for only a few hours reduces its effectiveness.

Night Guard Safety: Is All-Night Wear Okay?

Here’s the big question. Is it safe to sleep with a mouthguard on?

Yes. You see, night guard safety has been well studied, and dentists widely recommend overnight use. However, just like with any oral appliance, there are things to keep in mind:

• Material matters: Always choose a medical-grade, BPA-free guard.
• Fit is key: A custom-fit guard is more comfortable and less likely to cause soreness or slip during sleep.
• Cleanliness counts: A dirty mouth guard can harbor bacteria, which isn’t healthy for your teeth or gums.

If the materials are top-grade, the fit is snug, and you proactively keep it clean, the night guard is then absolutely safe to use overnight. And that’s true for all brands considered among the best night guards for teeth grinding in Australia .

Now, besides safety, there’s another thing that bugs people: can we swallow a night guard accidentally while asleep? Let’s find out.

Is It Possible to Swallow a Mouth Guard While Sleeping?

This is one of the most common worries people have about wearing a bruxism sleep mouthpiece. The good news: you can’t swallow it. And here’s why:

• Night guards are too large to slip down your throat. Even thinner guards still cover most of your upper or lower teeth, making them impossible to swallow accidentally.
• Custom dental night guards for sleep are designed to stay snugly in place and won’t dislodge while you move around at night.
• Stock or poorly fitting guards are more likely to shift, which can feel uncomfortable; however, swallowing one is impossible.

So while the fear is understandable, rest assured. You don’t have to worry about accidentally swallowing it.

Can a Night Guard Make Your Teeth Loose?

This, yet again, is a common concern. And the answer again is no. A properly fitted dental night guard for sleep will not make your teeth loose. In fact, its main job is to protect your teeth from the grinding forces of bruxism. That being said, keep this in mind:

• Custom night guards fit snugly without pressure. They won’t shift teeth or cause loosening.
• Poorly fitting stock or boil-and-bite guards can sometimes feel tight or uneven, which may create the sensation of tooth movement.
• Underlying dental issues like gum disease or weakened tooth support can make teeth feel loose, and a night guard might simply make you more aware of it.

Now, if your teeth ever feel loose while wearing a sleeping mouth guard for grinding teeth, check in with your dentist at your earliest convenience.

Possible Mouth Guard Side Effects

While most people have no problems, some may notice mild mouth guard side effects when starting, such as:

• Soreness in the jaw or teeth (usually temporary as your mouth adjusts)
• Increased saliva production in the first few nights
• Slight irritation if the guard doesn’t fit properly

These are normal. Though if there is pain or discomfort that intensifies and persists, then you might need a different fit. However, that is avoidable if you opt for a custom-fit night guard.

Tips for Safe Use of Mouth Guards at Night

To make sure your bruxism sleep mouthpiece is helping and not harming, follow these simple steps for safe use of mouth guards at night:

• Wear it every night for full protection.
• Don’t exceed recommended use (stick to nighttime, unless your dentist advises otherwise).
• Rinse before and after use to keep it fresh.
• Brush it gently a few times a week with a soft toothbrush.
• Replace when worn down — usually every 6 months to 2 years, depending on grinding severity.

The Best Sleeping Mouth Guard for Grinding Teeth: Custom-Fit or OTC?

If you’re confused about custom-fit vs OTC mouth guards , know that a custom dental night guard for sleep is the safest and most comfortable option. Unlike bulky over-the-counter guards, a custom one:

• Fits snugly and stays in place all night
• Allows you to breathe and sleep comfortably
• Reduces jaw tension and prevents tooth wear
• Lasts longer than cheaper alternatives

OTC mouth guards are still better than nothing. But they can’t match the impact and comfort of custom-fit ones. So, if you’re going for a mouth guard for grinding teeth in sleep, prioritize a custom-fit.

And if you wish to explore further, here’s more on how to choose the right mouth guard for sleeping .

Final Takeaway: Protection While You Sleep

So, how long to wear a night guard? The answer is simple: every night, for the full duration of your sleep. With proper use, a sleeping mouth guard for grinding teeth is safe, effective, and one of the best defenses against bruxism.

Just remember: comfort, fit, and cleanliness are key. By choosing a high-quality bruxism sleep mouthpiece, you’ll sleep better, protect your enamel, and wake up without jaw pain or tooth damage.