Should you wear a mouthguard for daytime clenching, not just night grinding?

You already have a night guard, and now you find yourself clenching during the day, too. Does that mean you also need a daytime mouthguard? A mouthguard may help protect your teeth if you clench during the day, but it's not the only solution. Since you're awake, reminders and behavior changes may help you notice the habit and relax your jaw. A dental provider can check for tooth wear, jaw soreness and bite problems before deciding whether an appliance belongs in your plan. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Daytime clenching may improve when you learn to notice and relax your jaw. 

• A mouthguard can protect your teeth, but it may not stop the clenching habit. 

• A guard made for nighttime use should not automatically be worn all day. 

• Jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity or visible tooth wear are reasons to see a dental provider. 

If you're not sure whether a daytime mouthguard fits your situation, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can check your bite and jaw before you decide. 

What’s the difference between a night guard and a daytime clenching appliance? 

Both address bruxism, which means grinding or clenching your teeth. Night grinding happens while you sleep. Daytime clenching happens while you are awake, although you may still do it without noticing. 

A mouthguard, also called a splint or oral appliance, separates your upper and lower teeth. It may protect them from damage and lower some of the jaw-muscle activity caused by grinding or clenching. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research includes habit changes, stress control and mouthguards among the options patients can discuss with a dental provider.¹ 

Whether you need an appliance—and when you should wear it—depends on your symptoms and any damage to your teeth. Do not assume that a guard made for nighttime use should also be worn all day. A dental provider can recommend the right option for your mouth. 

Why does daytime clenching happen? 

Daytime clenching does not have one clear cause. Stress, distress, nervousness and changes in mood may play a role. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and some medicines may also raise the chance of grinding or clenching. 

It can happen without you realizing it. Pay attention to when your jaw feels tight or your teeth are pressed together. A written note or phone alert can remind you to relax your jaw and let your teeth separate.¹ 

Does a mouthguard actually work for daytime clenching? 

A mouthguard may protect your teeth from some of the pressure caused by clenching. However, it does not always stop the habit itself. 

MedlinePlus explains that a properly fitted splint may lessen the effects of grinding, but symptoms can return after someone stops wearing it. A splint may also become less helpful over time. Learning to notice and change the habit tends to work better for daytime clenching than for grinding that happens during sleep.² 

If your dental provider recommends a daytime mouthguard, use it only as directed. It may be one part of your plan along with reminders, stress control and other behavior changes. 

Is it safe to wear a bulky mouthguard all day? 

Do not wear a night guard or sports mouthguard all day unless your dental provider recommends it. Guards are made for different purposes, and one type may not fit every situation. 

Evidence that oral appliances improve jaw-joint pain is limited. Guidance for jaw disorders also says to make sure any appliance you use isn't designed to permanently change your bite. Contact your dental provider if a guard increases your pain or changes your bite.³ 

Your dental provider can check the fit and tell you how long to wear the guard. An adjustment or different appliance may be needed if it feels uncomfortable. 

What other steps help besides wearing a guard? 

Awareness and daily habits may help reduce daytime clenching: 

• Use a written note or phone alert to remind yourself to relax your jaw. 

• Try calming activities, such as yoga or meditation, when stress is a factor. 

• Consider counseling if you need more help managing stress. 

• Cut back on caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, and avoid smoking. 

• Keep up with regular dental exams so early signs of clenching can be found. 

These steps may reduce clenching and help your dental provider catch tooth or jaw problems early.¹ Combining a few of them tends to work better than relying on just one. 

When should you see a dental provider about daytime clenching? 

See a dental provider if your jaw often feels sore, tight or tired. Headaches, facial pain, tooth sensitivity or teeth that look flatter are also worth checking. Get care if a tooth becomes chipped, cracked or loose, or if a filling or crown becomes damaged. 

You should also get checked if you notice a visible muscle change in your jawline when you clench. 

A dental provider can look for tooth wear and damaged dental work and check your jaw and face for sore areas. They can also help you decide whether you need a mouthguard, behavior changes or both. 

If daytime clenching is affecting your jaw or teeth, set up an appointment with your local dental provider to have your bite checked and discuss options that fit your daily routine. 

Should you wear a mouthguard for daytime clenching, not just night grinding? FAQs 

Still deciding if a daytime mouthguard is right for you? These answers cover a few common questions. 

Can you wear an over-the-counter mouthguard during the day? 

Do not assume that a sports guard or boil-and-bite guard is right for all-day use. The fit and purpose can vary. Ask your dental provider before using one for daytime clenching. Stop wearing it and call your dental provider if it increases your pain or changes how your teeth meet. 

What is a relaxed position for your jaw during the day? 

Your upper and lower teeth should not stay pressed together while your jaw is at rest. Let your jaw relax and use reminders if you often catch yourself clenching. Your dental provider can show you a comfortable resting position if you are unsure. 

How long does it take for behavior changes to help? 

There is no set timeline. It may take time to notice the habit and make reminders part of your routine. Pay attention to whether you are clenching less often and whether jaw soreness or headaches improve. Talk with your dental provider if your symptoms continue. 

Does insurance cover a daytime clenching appliance? 

Coverage depends on your dental plan and the reason you need the appliance. Ask your dental office to check your benefits before the appliance is made. You can also request an estimate of any costs you may need to pay. 

What happens if daytime clenching goes untreated? 

Left unaddressed, the damage tends to build gradually rather than happen all at once, which is part of why it's easy to ignore at first. Fixing it later often means more involved dental work, like a crown or a filling replacement, than would have been needed if it was caught early. Regular dental exams are the easiest way to catch clenching-related damage while the fix is still simple.

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Bruxism.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/bruxism 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Medical Encyclopedia: “Bruxism.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001413.htm 

³ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Temporomandibular Disorders.” https://medlineplus.gov/temporomandibulardisorders.html