Why Your Mouthguard Isn’t Fixing Your TMJ Dysfunction (and What Actually Does)
In the TMJD (jaw dysfunction) world, one of the most common recommendations people receive is a mouthguard, with the implication that it will “help” or even “fix” the problem.
It’s a comforting idea.
It’s also… not true.
A mouthguard (night guard, bite guard, whatever name it’s given) does exactly one thing: it protects your tooth enamel from grinding forces. And yes, that has value. But protecting enamel has nothing to do with healing the underlying system driving your jaw dysfunction, whether that shows up as pain, clicking, locking, limited opening, misalignment, headaches, or muscle tension that seems to radiate everywhere.
Below is a breakdown of why mouthguards fail to address the root causes, when they can actually create new issues, and what approaches can genuinely support healing.
Why a Mouthguard Doesn’t Solve TMJD: The Honest Breakdown
Most jaw problems do not come from the teeth.
They come from a combination of:
Muscle tension patterns in the jaw, face, neck, and upper back
Poor thoracic mobility and internal pressure issues in the body
Compensatory breathing patterns
Tongue positioning
Digestive influences
Nervous system overload
Stress mechanisms
Old injuries
Postural dysfunction
And sometimes structural issues inside the TMJ itself
A mouthguard cannot change any of this.
It simply cushions tooth-to-tooth contact while the root cause continues doing exactly what it has always done.
The Part No One Warns You About
For some people, mouthguards can actually increase symptoms or create brand-new ones.
Here are a few mechanisms I see repeatedly in clinical practice:
A poorly fitting guard shifts how the teeth meet, forcing the muscles to work harder
Some people clench more when something is in their mouth
Long-term wear can alter tooth contacts and subtly change jaw and neck alignment
New alignment = new tension = new pain or dysfunction
As the body, jaw and posture improves, the mouthguard brings the person back into the dysfunctional position
So again, it’s not that the guard is “evil.” It’s that it’s being used like a universal solution for a problem that is extremely individual.
TMJ dysfunction is anything but one-size-fits-all.
“But What About Dental Appliances?”
Great question, and it deserves a real answer.
There are appliances that can help the right person at the right time. They just aren’t magic, and they always come with trade-offs.
Anterior Repositioning Appliances
These can sometimes help recapture a displaced disc or reduce clicking when the disc isn’t moving properly. They are indicated for very specific presentations, and in my own experience I have not seen them perform as well as people are often led to believe.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
These are used primarily to open the airway in sleep-related breathing issues. They pull the jaw forward, which can alter clenching patterns and airflow. They can also absolutely change your bite over time, which is not a small consideration.
Stabilization / Occlusal Splints
These are the “night guards” most people know. They protect teeth and may reduce muscle activity for some peopl, but they still do not address the underlying dysfunction.
The truth is simple:
Dental appliances can support healing… but they rarely create it.
They need to be used, if at all, as part of a broader plan that respects how connected this whole system actually is.
So What Actually Works?
Treating TMJD successfully means understanding why your jaw is behaving the way it is.
That includes looking at:
Your movement patterns
Your mechanics
Your posture
Your history
Your habits
Your stress load
Your breathing
Your thoracic mobility
Your nervous system output
Dysfunction with your pelvic floor and/or diaphragm
and so much more…
After treating thousands of clients over the last 16 years, one truth has always been obvious:
Every jaw tells a different story.
There is no single protocol that works for everyone, and that’s exactly why effective treatment has to be individualized and holistic.
When you understand the patterns influencing your symptoms, you can finally address them in a targeted way, instead of guessing or hoping a passive device will somehow fix the problem on its own.
Looking for Support?
If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, tension, clicking, headaches, limited opening, or any other TMJD symptoms, you do not have to piece this together alone.
I currently accept new clients for physiotherapy sessions (virtual or in person), and this work is deeply tailored, educational, and transformative, especially for people who want to actually understand their body and take an active role in their healing.
You can:
👉 Book an appointment with me (Christine) here
Everyone deserves clarity, not temporary relief.
You deserve a plan that changes how your whole system functions, not just something that protects your enamel while the real drivers continue underneath.