Wearing a night guard effectively protects teeth from grinding or clenching during sleep. However, for some individuals, it can surprisingly lead to a sore throat. This article explores the connections between night guard use and throat discomfort.
Potential Reasons for Sore Throat
A night guard can contribute to a sore throat by affecting breathing patterns, often leading to dry mouth. A bulky night guard can cause lips to part during sleep, increasing mouth breathing. When breathing through the mouth, air bypasses the nose’s natural humidifying function, reducing saliva production. This results in a dry, irritated throat upon waking, which can feel scratchy or parched.
Allergic reactions to night guard materials can also cause throat discomfort. Night guards are made from plastics or acrylics, and some individuals may develop sensitivities or allergies to these components. Symptoms of an oral allergic reaction include stinging, itching, or burning sensations in the mouth, which can extend to the throat, causing soreness.
An improper fit of the night guard is another frequent cause of discomfort that can extend to the throat. A guard that is too large, too heavy, or doesn’t conform precisely to the teeth can exert uneven pressure on the gums, teeth, or jaw. This misalignment can lead to jaw strain or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which may then refer pain to the throat area. Over-the-counter or “boil-and-bite” guards are more prone to these fitting issues compared to custom-made appliances.
Some individuals may experience an initial increase in saliva production when first wearing a night guard, as the mouth perceives it as a foreign object. While this subsides as the mouth adjusts, excessive salivation can lead to more frequent swallowing during the night. This increased swallowing activity can irritate the throat, causing soreness or tenderness.
Jaw muscle strain can also be a factor. A night guard might subtly alter the resting position of the jaw, leading to increased tension in the jaw muscles as they adapt to this new position. This muscle strain, particularly in the muscles around the TMJ, can result in referred pain that is felt in the throat, neck, or even as a headache.
Solutions and Prevention Strategies
Ensuring a proper fit for your night guard is a primary step in preventing throat soreness. Custom-fitted night guards, made from impressions of your teeth, provide a precise fit that minimizes bulk and allows for better airflow and saliva distribution. If you are using an existing guard and experience discomfort, a dentist can often make adjustments to improve its fit and comfort.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is also important. Night guards can become breeding grounds for bacteria, yeast, and mold in the mouth’s warm, moist environment. These microorganisms can lead to infections like oral thrush or strep throat, causing a sore throat. Cleaning your night guard daily with warm water and anti-microbial soap, plus regular deep cleaning every two weeks, helps prevent bacterial buildup.
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day, especially before bed, can help counteract any potential dry mouth effects from wearing a night guard. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can also add moisture to the air, which may help prevent your throat and nasal passages from drying out overnight.
Practicing nasal breathing during the day can help encourage it at night, reducing mouth breathing while wearing the guard. If allergies are suspected, discuss alternative night guard materials with your dentist. Materials like acrylic or different types of plastic can trigger sensitivities.
New users may find it beneficial to gradually adapt to wearing the night guard. Starting with shorter periods of wear and slowly increasing the duration can help the mouth and jaw adjust to the new appliance, minimizing initial discomfort and potential side effects like excessive salivation or jaw tenderness.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If a sore throat linked to night guard use persists or worsens despite at-home measures, it is advisable to seek professional medical or dental advice. While many issues are minor and resolve with adjustments, prolonged discomfort could indicate a more significant problem.
Accompanying symptoms warranting a consultation include fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, or severe pain. These additional symptoms might suggest an underlying infection, such as strep throat, or another medical condition unrelated to the night guard.
If you suspect an allergic reaction to the night guard material, indicated by symptoms like a rash, swelling in the mouth or face, or significant irritation, contacting a healthcare provider is important. They can help identify the allergen and recommend alternative materials.
A sore throat can also be a symptom of other health issues, such as acid reflux (GERD), viral infections like the common cold or flu, or bacterial infections. Your dentist can assess the night guard’s fit and materials, while a medical doctor can rule out other potential causes for your sore throat.