Up to 70% of people with TMJ-related pain experience noticeable relief when using a properly fitted mouth guard. But you don’t want just any mouth guard. You want the one that makes people say, “Finally—this actually works.” The one with review after review, all pointing to the same thing: comfort.
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw, tension around your temples, or an annoying clicking sound every time you chew—you’re not alone.
TMJ issues (short for temporomandibular joint disorders) are incredibly common. But the real question is: how many people actually get relief from wearing a mouth guard?
Will a mouth guard help with TMJ? Here’s what I tell my patients
As a dentist, one of the most common complaints I hear is jaw pain.
When patients ask, “Will a mouth guard help?” my answer is usually: “For most people—yes. But it depends on what’s causing your TMJ and how severe it is.”
Let me walk you through what I typically explain in the chair.
A mouth guard will help with TMJ symptoms if…
The TMJ disorder is related to bruxism (teeth grinding), jaw clenching, overworked muscles around the joint, or nighttime tension or trauma to the teeth
In these cases, a guard creates space, reduces muscle strain, and protects teeth—and that reduction in strain can ease TMJ symptoms significantly. This is where most studies on splints and TMJ relief show positive results—in patients with muscle-driven TMJ (also called myofascial pain).
But if the TMJ is caused by…
Arthritis inside the joint (inflammatory or degenerative), structural damage to the disc or bone, developmental issues or anatomical deformities, or bite misalignment not caused by bruxism
…then a mouth guard won’t fix the problem, and offer no relief. This is because the damage is inside the joint itself, not from pressure outside it.
In short…
Will a mouth guard help with TMJ? A mouth guard can help with TMJ pain caused by grinding and muscle overuse, but won’t do much for TMJ caused by arthritis, joint degeneration, or structural problems.
It’s not about the label (TMJ). It’s about the cause behind it.
What a mouth guard can do
A mouth guard can reduce pressure on the jaw joint by stabilizing your bite. This prevents grinding and clenching, especially at night (two of the most common causes of TMJ pain).
A mouth guard also relaxes the jaw muscles by keeping the lower jaw in a more neutral, supported position. And protects your teeth from wear and cracks if you grind.
In many cases, a mouth guard is enough to dramatically reduce or eliminate symptoms. In other words, if someone’s TMJ pain is mostly caused by bruxism or nighttime clenching, a mouth guard may be the single most effective intervention.
So for many people, the relief from a mouth guard is so significant that they don’t need anything else.
But what type of mouth guard?
The best mouth guard isn’t the most expensive one. You might assume you need to go custom—spend a few hundred at the dentist—to get relief. But that’s not true in 75% of cases.
The over-the-counter mouth guards I prescribe are designed by dentists and mimic the fit of professional guards, but cost a fraction of the price.
Patients will often tell you how comfortable an over-the-counter mouth guard feels. Likewise, online reviews from people speak volumes. Until 2025, I’d never seen a single brand develop a mouth guard that actually held a 5-star rating. Now? The Auronp, NOIKO, and Feisina mouth guards each have a 5-star average. That means 100% of buyers didn’t just find them comfortable—they found them effective. They stopped grinding, eased TMJ symptoms, and earned top marks from people dealing with jaw pain.
Which mouth guards do I recommend for TMJ or grinding?
Soft night guards provide 60–70% relief, especially for patients with light to moderate grinding. They’re comfortable and easy to adjust to.
Of course, when a mouth guard is comfortable, you sleep better, your jaw relaxes, and you wake up without that tight, clenched feeling. And you know what that adds up to? Less TMJ pain. Fewer headaches. Less dental damage. And a better mood in the morning.
My current favorite guards are the Noiko night guard, followed by the Auronp guard and the Fesina guard. The Noiko stands out as the gold standard, the Fesina is ideal for budget-conscious users, and the Auronp lands comfortably in the middle. Each of these guards has a consistent 5-star rating—and that’s based on thousands of reviews from people who’ve used them to stop grinding, ease jaw pain, and finally get some real sleep.
The other two mouth guards I turn to about 20% of the time are the Neateeth Guard and the Gpoizmo. Both see high demand with over 2,000 sales a month and each holds a near-perfect 4.9-star rating.
So, in essence, I recommend all five of these guards to patients. Each one suits a different situation. The right guard depends on your level of grinding, jaw discomfort, and budget.
Each of these guards are moldable, safe, and offer a secure fit. They all help reduce pressure on the jaw, protect your enamel, and help ease TMJ-related tension—especially when worn consistently.
| Mouth Guard | Best For | What You Get | Notable Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auronp mouth guard | First-time users or families | 8 guards (2 sizes) + travel case | Simple, effective, great for testing or occasional use | $12.99 |
| NOIKO mouth guard | Adults needing better material quality | 4 guards (2 sizes) + 6 cleaning tablets | Food-grade EVA, strong fit, great for mild-moderate grinding | $16.99 |
| Feisina mouth guard | Budget-conscious buyers | 8 guards (2 sizes) | Safe materials, snug fit, multi-use (grinding, sports, whitening) | $9.99 |
| Gpoizmo mouth guard | Heavy clenchers or those needing more durability | 4 guards (2 sizes) | Premium feel, highly rated, and protective | $19.96 |
| Neateeth mouth guard | Patients wanting easy cleaning | 4 guards + 12 cleaning tablets | EVA material, moldable, clean and hygienic with included tablets | $9.99 |
Verified reviews from people with TMJ and grinding
Will a mouth guard help with TMJ?
“Let’s just say my nights used to be a silent symphony of stress-induced teeth grinding. My jaw ached, my dentist bills were rising, and I’m pretty sure my partner was starting to hear me sound like a small, agitated beaver in his sleep. I needed help, and these Mouth Guards for Grinding Teeth at Night were my desperate plea.” —Shay
“My husband grinds his teeth at night and was having jaw pain. He had also worn down his molars and cracked a crown because it was so bad. Once he started using this, the jaw pain is gone. It is a great value!” —Kemberli Jose Valero Leal
“I’ve struggled with teeth grinding for years, and this mouth guard has been a game-changer! It’s comfortable, easy to mold to my teeth, and stays in place all night. Unlike other guards I’ve tried, this one doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable. I wake up without jaw pain or headaches, and I can tell my teeth are better protected. The quality is great, and it’s a fraction of the cost of a custom one from the dentist. Highly recommend to anyone dealing with bruxism!” —Karina
What causes TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, letting you talk, chew, yawn, and basically move your mouth like a normal human being. TMJ disorder (or TMD) happens when that joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or overworked.
The most common causes?
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw clenching (especially at night)
- Stress
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis
- Bite misalignment
Who I usually see with TMJ (after years of treating it)
In my practice, women were twice as likely as men to develop TMJ disorders. In fact, about 90% of those seeking treatment were female, often between ages 20 and 40.
Interestingly, it’s common to see jaw clicking or popping without pain—this appears in up to 35% of asymptomatic people.
From my experience and according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), surgery is only recommended in less than 5% of cases (usually for severe joint damage or structural abnormalities). The vast majority of people—95% or more—improve through non-invasive treatments. Physical therapy, stress management, and bite guards are the first-line treatments.
In other words, most people don’t need surgery because TMJ is often functional, not structural. That means the issue stems from muscle tension, jaw habits, or inflammation—not permanent joint damage. So when the root causes are addressed—through mouth guards, therapy, stress reduction, and education—symptoms tend to resolve or become manageable.
Quick recap
60–80% of TMJ sufferers get some relief from a mouth guard. And the more custom the fit, the better the results. The best results come from consistent use and identifying the root cause of your TMJ. For grinding-related TMJ, a night guard is often the first (and easiest) solution.
Will a Mouth Guard Help With TMJ FAQs
What is TMJ, exactly?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. You’ve got one on each side, just in front of your ears. If those joints are inflamed, irritated, or out of alignment, you can develop TMJ disorder—often shortened to just TMJ by patients.
The most common causes? Nighttime grinding, clenching, stress, injury, or in some cases, arthritis.
Do mouth guards work?
Will a mouth guard help with TMJ? For many of my patients—especially those who grind or clench their teeth at night—a soft night mouth guard can make a significant difference. Clinical data suggests that 60% to 80% of people with TMJ-related pain experience at least some relief when they start using a night guard.
How does a mouth guard help with TMJ?
A guard acts like a buffer. It cushions the jaw, reduces pressure on the joint, and protects the teeth from further wear.
What are common TMJ symptoms?
Common symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain or soreness, especially noticeable in the morning or after chewing. Many people also report clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when they open or close their mouth. Likewise, headaches or earaches can be frequent companions to TMJ discomfort, along with jaw locking or limited movement. Some may feel a sense of facial pressure or pain, and chewing can sometimes trigger or worsen the discomfort.
What are the causes of TMJ?
TMJ is often caused by teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—which usually happens at night without the person realizing it. Clenching your jaw during times of stress is another major contributor. Other common causes include having a misaligned bite or jaw, developing arthritis in the joint, or experiencing direct injury to the jaw. Even poor posture, particularly involving the neck and head, can affect jaw alignment and lead to TMJ issues.
Why is it important to treat the root cause of TMJ?
If left untreated, TMJ problems can cause long-term damage—not just to the joint, but also to your teeth, facial muscles, and even hearing in some cases.
What are the treatment options for TMJ?
- Mouth guards or night guards (to prevent grinding/clenching)
- Physical therapy or massage
- Jaw exercises
- Anti-inflammatory meds
- Stress management
- In serious cases: surgery or joint injections