Will a night guard help my jaw pain or headaches?
The short answer
Maybe. Some people with morning jaw soreness feel better with a guard, but the evidence that guards relieve jaw joint pain is limited. Jaw pain has many causes, and most jaw joint problems (often called TMJ or TMD) improve with simple, reversible care.
Grinding vs. jaw joint problems
These overlap, but they aren't the same:
- Grinding is a habit. Its main risk is damage to teeth and dental work. A night guard protects against that.
- Jaw joint and muscle problems (temporomandibular disorders, or TMD) cause pain in the jaw muscles or joint, clicking with pain, or trouble opening. About 1 in 20 adults has one. Many get better on their own.
Clicking or popping without pain is common and usually doesn't need treatment.
What usually helps first
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends starting with simple, reversible steps:
- Softer foods for a while, and avoiding gum chewing and very wide yawns
- Heat or cold on the jaw, and gentle jaw stretches
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, if they're safe for you
- Noticing and relaxing clenching during the day
- Physical therapy, relaxation, or stress management
A guard or splint can be part of this. If you use one, it shouldn't be designed to permanently change your bite, and you should stop and check with your dentist if it makes the pain worse.
Be cautious with permanent changes
Treatments that permanently change the bite, such as grinding down teeth, crowns, or braces to treat jaw pain, aren't supported by good evidence and can't be undone. Botox injections aren't FDA-approved for TMD, and how well they help is unclear. Surgery is reserved for specific, severe cases. Getting a second opinion before any irreversible treatment for jaw pain is wise.
Other causes of jaw pain and headaches
Jaw pain can also come from a tooth infection, gum problems, sinus problems, or arthritis. Headaches have many causes. If your pain is new, severe, or getting worse, get it checked. If your jaw locks open or closed, get seen promptly.
Jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea can be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911.
For jaw pain that doesn't improve, an orofacial pain specialist (a dental specialty focused on jaw and facial pain) or your doctor can help.
How insurance handles it
Many dental plans pay for a night guard for grinding but handle jaw joint treatment differently. Devices made specifically to treat TMD often have their own code (D7880), and many dental plans exclude TMD treatment. Some medical plans cover part of TMD care. Ask your dentist which code they'll use, and check both your dental and medical plans.
Questions to ask
- Do you think my pain is from grinding, the jaw joint, or something else?
- Is this guard to protect my teeth, to help my jaw, or both?
- Is there anything simpler I should try first?
- Does the guard change my bite in any way?
- Before we schedule, can I get my cost in writing? (A predetermination if I'm using insurance, or a good faith estimate if I'm paying myself.)
When a second opinion makes sense
Reasonable before any treatment that permanently changes your bite or involves surgery for jaw pain.