Can a Mouth Guard Help You Sleep?

3 Min Read | By Shannan Humphrey

Last Modified 5 September 2025   First Added 5 September 2025

This article was written and reviewed in line with our editorial policy.

Yes – a mouth guard (sometimes called night guards or dental guards) really can help you sleep better. Whether it’s teeth grinding, snoring, or even sleep apnoea keeping you up at night, the right guard can take the pressure off, ease the discomfort, and cut down on those sleep disruptors. A small change that could make a big difference to your nights (and days!). Here’s how:

How mouth guards help you get better sleep

Night guards can help you enjoy more restful sleep by cutting down on disruptions. That means drifting off more easily and waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

1. Reduces teeth grinding

Whether you know you’re doing it or not, grinding your teeth in your sleep can cause jaw tension and morning headaches. This can disrupt your sleep quality and cause discomfort when you wake. Mouth guards can create a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing grinding and any pain from your jaw or teeth.

2. Eases snoring

Is snoring causing you or your partner sleepless nights? Certain mouth guards and oral appliances can help reposition your jaw, opening the airway to reduce snoring. Better breathing during sleep can lead to uninterrupted nights, helping you wake up feeling refreshed.

Not sure if a mouth guard is right for your snoring? Try one of these 8 natural ways to prevent snoring.

3. Manages sleep apnoea

Special mouth guards for sleep apnoea can help keep your airway open while you sleep by adjusting the jaw or tongue. This creates more space in your throat, reducing interruptions in breathing and snoring. Usually prescribed by your doctor or dentist, sleep apnoea guards can be a more manageable and affordable option for some people, especially with mild to moderate cases, compared to a CPAP machine. Always check with your doctor first.

Other benefits of wearing a mouth guard

  • Improves overall oral health: A mouth guard can protect your teeth from grinding damage, reducing pain and preventing long-term issues like cracks, gum irritation, and enamel erosion.
  • Protects dental work: By shielding crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants from nightly pressure, a night guard can help your dental work last longer.
  • Prevents headaches: By easing nighttime clenching, mouth guards could reduce tension headaches.
  • Decreases jaw pain: Night guards cushion the jaw joints, helping to prevent long-term jaw injuries.
  • Reduces tension: Mouth guards can relieve pressure in the facial and neck muscles, minimising soreness, tightness, and discomfort.
  • Improves sleep patterns: Fewer disruptions mean deeper, more consistent, and restorative sleep.

How long should you wear a night guard?

You should wear your mouth guard every time you sleep. So, if you sleep for the recommended 7-9 hours a night, that’s how long you should wear it. This ensures you protect your teeth from cracks and wear over time while improving your health and sleep quality. Just make sure you are choosing the right type, and ideally, consult a dentist or your doctor for the best support.

Mouth guard FAQs

1. Over-the-counter mouth guards

Sold in pharmacies or online, these mouth guards are a good option for people looking to reduce teeth grinding or snoring without spending too much. These come in two types: boil-and-bite and stock guards. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded to your teeth, while stock guards come pre-formed and ready to wear.

2. Custom-made night guards

These mouth guards are usually made by a dentist using a mould of your teeth and are ideal for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. They provide a perfect fit for comfort and protection and are highly durable. However, these can be more expensive than over-the-counter options.

3. Soft and hard guards

With both over-the-counter and custom-made guards, you’ll find the option to choose soft or hard. Soft mouth guards are more flexible and comfortable, making them suitable for occasional or mild grinding. Hard guards, on the other hand, offer stronger protection and are longer-lasting, making them a better choice for heavy grinders.

4. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

MADs resemble sports mouth guards and gently move the lower jaw forward to keep airways open. These are best for snoring and mild sleep apnoea and are often available through doctors, dentists, or the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association.

5. Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)

Often recommended for people with sleep apnoea or jaw-related breathing issues, these mouth guards hold the tongue forward while you sleep, so it doesn’t block the airway. Also known as a tongue stabilising device, these are bulkier than other mouth guards and usually only available privately.

Custom-fit mouth guards offer the most comfort, durability, and effectiveness for sleep. They are typically more expensive if purchased via a dentist, as they are tailored to your teeth and made from precise moulds or scans.

If you’re after a great over-the-counter option, here are some standout brands in TopProducts’ list of best night guards in the UK:

  • SOVA Aero Night Guard: Award-winning, ultra-thin, lightweight, and remouldable up to 20 times for comfort and durability.
  • DenTek Maximum Protection Dental Guard: This guard is top-rated for maximum nighttime teeth protection. It has a custom-fit mould for comfort and a storage case.
  • OPRO Night Guard: Dentist-recommended with slim-fit design, antimicrobial protection, and BPA-free comfort.

Wearing a mouth guard at night can sometimes cause minor side effects, but these are usually temporary and easy to manage. It’s normal for your mouth to feel a little strange or sore at first while you get used to it. If you notice persistent pain in your jaw, gums, teeth, or face, it may mean the mouth guard doesn’t fit properly, or you might need a sturdier option for heavy grinding.

A sleep mouth guard is a simple little tool with big benefits. By tackling common sleep disruptors like teeth grinding, snoring, and sleep apnoea, the right guard can protect your oral health and help you wake up feeling truly refreshed. And if you’re looking for even more ways to recharge your nights, check out our other tips for sleeping better at night.

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