Do Night Guards Cause Dry Mouth?
17th Jun 2025
Do night guards cause dry mouth? Many people notice their mouth feels dry after wearing one.
Dry mouth can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and discomfort. But there are simple fixes.
From choosing the right night guard to staying hydrated, small adjustments can help. This article explains why dry mouth happens and how to prevent it.
Do Night Guards Cause Dry Mouth?
Quick answer is Not exactly. Night guards don’t directly cause dry mouth, but they can contribute to it. A night guard takes up space in your mouth, which can reduce saliva flow. Some people also unconsciously switch to mouth breathing while wearing a night guard, leading to dryness.
The type and fit of your night guard also play a role. Over-the-counter guards can be bulky and block saliva movement, while a well-fitted, custom night guard allows for better airflow and saliva distribution.
Can a Night Guard Cause Dehydration or Worsen Dry Mouth?
A night guard itself doesn’t cause dehydration, but it may contribute to dry mouth by interfering with saliva flow. If your mouth feels dry after wearing a night guard, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, but the good news is that it can be managed.
A night guard sits in your mouth while you sleep, which can affect saliva flow. Saliva helps keep your mouth moist, washes away bacteria, and protects your teeth. When there's less saliva, your mouth can feel dry and uncomfortable.
Why does this happen?
Material – Some night guards restrict saliva movement, making your mouth feel drier.
Fit – A poorly fitting guard can block saliva flow, making it harder for your mouth to stay hydrated.
Mouth Breathing – Wearing a night guard may encourage some people to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, leading to dryness.
Signs That Your Night Guard May Be Causing Dry Mouth
If your mouth feels dry in the morning after wearing a night guard, you’re not alone. Night guards don’t directly cause dry mouth, but they can make it worse — especially if they don’t fit well or if you breathe through your mouth while you sleep.
Here are a few signs that your night guard might be linked to dry mouth:
Waking up with a sticky or dry mouth – You may feel like your saliva has disappeared overnight, making your mouth uncomfortable or sticky.
Cracked lips or a dry throat in the morning – Lack of moisture can leave your lips chapped and your throat feeling scratchy or parched.
Increased thirst at night – If you find yourself waking up frequently just to sip water, dry mouth could be the culprit.
Bad breath or changes in taste – Dry mouth can allow bacteria to build up, leading to unpleasant breath or a strange taste when you wake up.
Note: These symptoms are usually mild and easy to manage. In many cases, switching to a better-fitting night guard or making a few simple changes can help improve the dryness.
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5 Solutions to Prevent Dry Mouth While Wearing a Night Guard
If your night guard is causing dry mouth, don’t worry—it’s a common issue, and there are simple ways to fix it. Small changes can help keep your mouth comfortable and hydrated while you sleep.
1. Get the Right Night Guard
A custom-fit night guard is designed to fit your teeth properly, allowing saliva to flow naturally and keeping your mouth comfortable.
A preliminary study on comfort with customized mouthguards emphasizes the importance of a proper fit. The findings suggest that custom-made mouthguards offer superior comfort and functionality compared to standard options, reducing discomfort and improving overall wearability.
2. Drink More Water
Staying hydrated throughout the day helps prevent dry mouth at night. Water supports saliva production, which keeps your mouth moist. Keep a glass of water by your bedside in case you wake up feeling dry. Taking small sips before bed and in the morning can also help.
A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations examined the relationship between perceived oral dryness in specific mouth regions. It states that individuals experiencing dryness in the posterior palate and tongue and mouth areas often opted for drinking water.
3. Use Saliva-Boosting Products
If dry mouth continues, saliva-boosting products like sprays, lozenges, or mouth rinses can help keep your mouth hydrated. Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes, as alcohol-based ones can make dryness worse. Using these products before bed can provide extra relief.
4. Breathe Through Your Nose
Mouth breathing while sleeping can make dry mouth worse. Breathing through your nose helps retain moisture.
If you struggle with congestion or often breathe through your mouth, nasal strips can help open your airways. A humidifier in your bedroom can also add moisture to the air and prevent dryness.
5. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Brushing and flossing daily helps remove bacteria and prevent bad breath caused by dry mouth. A clean mouth also supports healthy saliva production.
Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities, which are more likely when saliva levels are low. A consistent oral care routine keeps your mouth feeling fresh and comfortable while wearing a night guard.
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
Potential Risks of Dry Mouth from a Night Guard
Dealing with dry mouth from a night guard can be frustrating, but you’re not alone. While it may seem like just a minor annoyance, frequent dry mouth can lead to other oral health issues. Saliva is essential for keeping your mouth clean, fresh, and protected. When there’s not enough, bacteria can build up, increasing the risk of problems.
Risks of dry mouth:
- Cavities & Gum Issues – Without enough saliva to wash away bacteria, plaque can build up, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum irritation.
- Bad Breath – A dry mouth allows odor-causing bacteria to thrive, leading to persistent bad breath.
- Discomfort & Poor Sleep – Waking up with a sticky, dry feeling in your mouth can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.
When to See a Dentist
If dry mouth doesn’t improve despite these solutions, it may be time to see a dentist. While occasional dryness is normal, persistent or severe dry mouth could indicate an underlying issue.
A dentist can help if:
- Your mouth feels dry all the time, even after staying hydrated.
- You notice more cavities or gum irritation.
- Your night guard feels uncomfortable or bulky.
Note: A proactive approach to managing dry mouth can prevent serious oral health issues, such as tooth decay and fungal infections. Identifying at-risk patients early allows dental professionals to implement preventive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is dry mouth from a night guard something to worry about?
It can be a bit uncomfortable and might cause bad breath or more plaque if not managed. But the good news is, it’s usually easy to fix with small changes or a better-fitting night guard.
2. Can a custom night guard help with dry mouth?
Yes. Custom night guards are thinner and more comfortable. They don’t block saliva as much and are less likely to make you breathe through your mouth.
3. Should I stop wearing my night guard if I get a dry mouth?
Not necessarily. It’s better to talk to your dentist first. Try simple fixes like staying hydrated or using a better-fitting guard before stopping use. Most people can solve the problem without giving up their night guard.
Conclusion
Dry mouth from a night guard is common, but there are simple ways to manage it. Choosing a well-fitted night guard, staying hydrated, and using saliva-boosting products can help keep your mouth comfortable. Paying attention to your breathing habits and maintaining good oral hygiene also makes a big difference.
If dry mouth persists, a dentist can help identify the cause and recommend the best solution. A small adjustment to your night guard or oral care routine might be all you need.
Protecting your teeth from grinding shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. With the right approach, you can wear your night guard without dealing with dryness.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, custom-fit night guard designed for comfort, Pro Teeth Guard offers an affordable, professional solution.
References:
- Greaves, C., & Knapman, Y. (1999). A preliminary study of patient comfort associated with customised mouthguards. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(3), 186–189. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/33/3/186
- Assy, Z., Bikker, F. J., Picauly, O., & Brand, H. S. (2022). The association between oral dryness and use of dry-mouth interventions in Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Clinical Oral Investigations, 26, 1465–1475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-04120-2
- Miller, A. J., & Derakhshan, A. (1998). The role of muscle in temporomandibular joint development and function. The Anatomical Record, 253(3), 356–365. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0185(199807)253:3<356::AID-AR13>3.0.CO;2-3
- Most Popular
- Hard Outside, Soft Inside
- 2MM Thick
- Moderate / Heavy
- Most Durable
- Hard Materials
- 1.5MM Thick
- Heavy / Severe
- For Day Time Use
- Thin, Barely Visible
- 1MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
- For Clenching
- Flexible & Soft
- 1.5MM Thick
- Light / Moderate
