A night guard, also known as an occlusal splint, is a common dental device prescribed to protect teeth from the forces of nighttime grinding or clenching. It creates a physical barrier that prevents damage to the tooth structure and jaw joints. When first using this appliance, it is common to experience a temporary increase in saliva production, which can lead to excessive drooling. This side effect is a normal physiological reaction and not a sign that the device is failing.
The Physiology Behind Increased Saliva Production
The sudden increase in saliva is a reflexive response rooted in the body’s protective mechanisms. When the night guard is first placed in the mouth, sensory nerves interpret the appliance as a foreign object or, incorrectly, as a food bolus. This triggers a “foreign body response” where the autonomic nervous system stimulates the major salivary glands—the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands—to increase their output.
The heightened flow of saliva is the body’s attempt to wash away the perceived irritant from the oral cavity. This neurological hyperactivity is typically temporary. As the brain and mouth tissues habituate to the presence of the appliance, usually over two to three weeks, the salivary glands gradually return to their normal resting flow rate. Consistency in wearing the device allows this acclimatization process to occur efficiently.
Immediate Adjustments for Wearing the Guard
To manage the initial hypersalivation, behavioral adjustments can be implemented immediately. Practice wearing the night guard for short periods during the day, such as an hour before bedtime, to allow the mouth to become familiar with the appliance. This controlled exposure helps accelerate the neural habituation process.
Hydration throughout the day is also beneficial, as it ensures saliva is less viscous and easier to swallow. Before sleeping, focus on consciously swallowing several times after inserting the guard to clear the oral cavity. Sleeping on the back, rather than the side, encourages excess saliva to drain naturally down the throat instead of escaping the mouth.
How Appliance Fit Influences Drooling
The physical characteristics of the night guard itself significantly influence the magnitude of the foreign body response. An appliance that is overly bulky or thick can excessively stimulate the mouth’s tissues, leading to a more pronounced salivary reaction. Night guards exceeding a thickness of three millimeters often feel intrusive, contributing to discomfort and increased drooling.
A poor fit, such as edges that are sharp, rough, or extended too far onto the gums, can cause mechanical irritation. This trauma heightens the body’s perception of the appliance as an irritant, sustaining the reflex for increased salivation. If the guard feels persistently bulky or causes irritation, a dental professional can perform precise adjustments. They can trim excess material, smooth rough borders, or recommend switching to a thinner design to minimize tissue interference.
Identifying When Medical Consultation is Necessary
While initial drooling is normal, it should diminish as the habituation period passes. If excessive drooling persists beyond a few weeks, or if it is severe enough to significantly disrupt sleep, it warrants a follow-up consultation with a dentist. Persistent hypersalivation may indicate a need for professional adjustment to the appliance’s fit or design.
Consult a healthcare provider if the drooling is accompanied by other severe symptoms. These signs include difficulty swallowing, persistent pain in the jaw joint, or symptoms suggesting an allergic reaction to the guard’s material, such as gum swelling or redness. These circumstances require a professional assessment beyond normal adjustment.