A night guard protects your teeth and can reduce jaw-muscle strain, which helps many people wake up with less jaw pain and fewer tension-type morning headaches, but it usually doesn’t stop the underlying grinding habit itself, and evidence for pain relief is mixed.
What a night guard actually does
A guard (also called an occlusal splint) separates the teeth and cushions bite forces, helping prevent enamel wear and easing sore muscles for some people.
Bruxism itself can cause morning jaw pain and temporal headaches, which is why buffering those forces can help symptoms.
What the evidence says about pain relief
High-quality reviews reach different conclusions, so set expectations realistically:
- A 2024 Cochrane review on occlusal splints for TMD found the evidence very uncertain for reducing muscle pain with chewing. (Cochrane). 
- A 2023 rapid evidence review in American Family Physician reports that occlusal splints decrease pain and improve mandibular movement for TMD. (AAFP).
- Narrative and umbrella reviews describe splints as commonly used for TMD/bruxism and sometimes helpful, but emphasize individualized care. (PMC review). 
Many patients feel better with a well-fitted guard, but results vary and a guard isn’t a cure for bruxism or every type of headache.
Headaches: when a guard helps and when to look deeper
If your headaches are tied to nighttime clenching (e.g., dull ache on waking), a guard that reduces muscle loading may help.
If you have frequent migraines, severe daytime headaches, or snoring/possible sleep apnea, ask your dentist or physician about broader evaluation—bruxism has multiple drivers, including sleep arousals and OSA.
How to get the best results
- Choose a comfortable, stable fit. Custom-made guards are generally easier to wear consistently.
- Keep it clean and dry. Daily clean, then air-dry in a ventilated case to discourage odors and buildup.
- Lower common triggers. Good sleep habits and stress reduction can lessen grinding intensity for some people.
Helpful adds from Remi
• Protect your teeth while you sort out causes with a Remi Custom Night Guard.
• Keep your guard fresh with Night Guard Cleaning + Teeth Whitening Foam, or do a quick weekly refresh in the Remi Ultrasonic Cleaner.
A night guard is a protective, symptom-reducing tool, often helpful for jaw pain and wake-up headaches tied to clenching, but it’s not a cure-all. If pain persists or you have red flags (clicking/locking, limited opening, loud snoring, frequent migraines), get a professional evaluation to tailor your care.
