Just had your wisdom teeth removed? Find out if it’s safe to wear your night guard and how to protect your healing gums while managing teeth grinding.

Why Night Guards Matter for People With Bruxism

If you’re a teeth grinder, you already know the value of a good night guard. These custom-made devices can shield your enamel, reduce jaw strain, and help you sleep better. But what happens when you undergo oral surgery? Do you need to take a break from your guard?

The Wisdom Tooth Healing Timeline

Most people experience swelling and soreness for about 3–5 days after wisdom tooth extraction, with full gum healing taking up to two weeks. If stitches were used, they may dissolve or be removed after about 7 days. Until that soft tissue heals, anything pressing against it—like a mouth guard—can irritate or delay recovery.

When Can You Safely Wear a Night Guard Again?

• Days 1–3: Avoid completely. Your gums are swollen, possibly bleeding, and extremely sensitive.
• Days 4–8: Some people can resume use with a soft or adjustable guard if there’s no pressure on the extraction sites.
• After Day 10: For most, this is the safest point to resume normal use of a properly fitted night guard.

Always ask your oral surgeon or dentist first, especially if you had complex extractions.

Temporary Alternatives to Manage Grinding

If you’re worried about bruxism during recovery, try these instead:

• Jaw Relaxation Exercises: Light massage or warm compresses can help.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may reduce the urge to clench.
• Sleep Support: Use extra pillows to elevate your head and reduce jaw tension.

Should You Get a New Night Guard After Surgery?

If your wisdom teeth altered your bite or caused tooth movement, your old night guard may no longer fit well. Ill-fitting guards can do more harm than good. A dentist can re-scan your bite post-recovery to determine if a replacement is needed.

FAQs

Is it dangerous to wear a night guard too soon? Yes. It can press on healing tissue and slow recovery.

Can I use a store-bought guard temporarily? Only with your dentist’s OK. Many boil-and-bite options are bulky and can irritate surgical sites.