Night Guards and Recovery: Jaw, Energy, Muscles

There are a few forms of mouth and jaw protection that can play important roles for athletes surrounding all aspects of their performance, and some of these actually speak to those that are worn outside your primary activity. Perhaps the single best example here is the night guard, which is primarily known for its dental and oral health benefits - but also often plays a big and helpful role for athletes as well.

At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're here to offer not only a wide range of custom mouthguards for football, MMA and numerous other activities, but also quality night guardsthat we provide for much more affordable costs than you'll typically find at a dentist office. In this two-part blog series, we'll discuss some of the key athletic benefits that often come with utilizing a night guard during sleep, creating a two-pronged mouth protection approach between this and regular mouthguard use during play.

Jaw Placement and Pain Reduction

One of the single most important benefits that comes with utilizing a night guard for athletes is the impact it can have on jaw placement and pain reduction. Many athletes, particularly those in contact sports like football, experience stress on their jaws during play, which can lead to chronic pain or even more serious conditions over time.

Night guards are not only designed to reduce this pain directly by providing cushioning and support for the jaw, but also by helping to properly align this area during sleep. This reduces stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can prevent further pain or damage.

Increasing Energy Levels

Night guards may also have a direct effect on quality of sleep for athletes, which can in turn impact energy levels. When the jaw is not aligned properly, it can create a variety of sleep issues like snoring or grinding teeth. This can lead to subpar sleep and even insomnia, leaving athletes feeling fatigued during the day.

But with a night guard providing proper support and alignment for the jaw, these issues can often be resolved. Athletes may find themselves sleeping more soundly and feeling more rested when they wake up - which can boost their energy levels and lead to improved performance on the field or in the gym.

Muscle Recovery

Another major benefit of quality sleep is its impact on muscle recovery, and this is one area where night guards can be truly impactful. Proper sleep allows the body to repair damaged tissues and rebuild muscle, which can lead to better overall physical performance.

By aligning the jaw and reducing stress on the TMJ during sleep, athletes may experience more restful sleep that leads to improved muscle recovery. This means they'll be better equipped to take on the physical demands of their sport, and may even reduce the risk of injury.

In part two of our series, we'll go into further detail on how night guards can benefit athletes, and explore some tips for finding the right one for your needs. Remember that while mouthguards are crucial during play, night guards can provide important protection as well - so don't overlook this key form of athletic gear. At Damage Control Mouthguards, we're happy to help you find the perfect mouthguard for your needs - contact us today and we'll get started.