Why Am I Biting My Tongue in My Sleep?
Updated October 12, 2025: We refreshed this guide with clearer tips, prevention strategies, and product options.
Medically reviewed by: Sharon Boyd, MA, BS, RDH
If you’re waking up with a sore, nicked, or swollen tongue, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck with it. Nighttime tongue biting is usually tied to bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), but it can also be influenced by airway issues (like snoring/OSA), stress, certain medications, or bite misalignment. This pillar guide explains what’s happening, how to stop the cycle, and when to see a professional. We’ll cover fast relief for active sores, long-term prevention (including custom tongue & cheek protection and night guards), and practical habits that actually help—so you can sleep comfortably and protect your mouth.
Quick Relief if You’re Sore Right Now
-
Do: Rinse 2–3×/day with warm saltwater; stick to a soft diet for 24–48 hours; use cold compresses 10 minutes on/off.
-
Consider: OTC topical gels for mouth sores (as directed).
-
Avoid: Hot/spicy/acidic foods, alcohol-based rinses, and picking at the area.
-
Note: Most minor tongue injuries improve in 3–7 days; persistent or severe pain warrants a professional check.
What’s Causing Nighttime Tongue Biting?
-
Sleep bruxism (grinding/clenching). Rhythmic or sustained forces can trap the tongue or cheeks between teeth.
-
Airway restriction / snoring / OSA. Mouth-open breathing and jaw postures that “tuck” the tongue can increase risk.
-
Stress & arousal from sleep. Fragmented sleep and stress spikes heighten bruxism episodes.
-
Medications & stimulants. Some SSRIs/SNRIs and heavy caffeine/alcohol use are associated with increased grinding.
-
Bite changes & dental work. New restorations, aligners, dentures, or missing teeth may alter contacts.
-
Neurologic conditions (less common). Discuss with your clinician if you have additional symptoms.
Good news: You don’t have to solve the root cause overnight. You can protect the tongue immediately while you explore and address underlying factors.
Prevention Toolkit (What Actually Works)
1) Mechanical protection (fastest relief)
-
Sentinel Tongue & Cheek Biting Relief Guard (custom)
Shields the lateral tongue borders and cheeks from the sharp biting edges during bruxism episodes. Comfortable, unobtrusive coverage you can actually sleep in.
Quick chooser:
-
Predominantly tongue/cheek injuries? → Start with the Relief Guard; consider adding a soft night guard if you also grind heavily.
-
Predominantly tooth wear/jaw soreness? → Start with a night guard; add relief guard if you still nick the tongue.
2) Routine tune-ups (address the “why”)
-
Sleep hygiene & stress: consistent bedtime, reduce late caffeine/alcohol, wind-down routine, daytime jaw relaxers (lips together, teeth apart, tongue to palate).
-
Airway check: loud snoring, witnessed apneas, or morning headaches? Ask about screening for OSA.
-
Medication chat: if symptoms started after a prescription change, discuss alternatives with your prescriber.
-
Bite review: if recent dental work lined up with symptoms, ask your dentist to check contacts.
Tongue & Cheek Biting Relief Guard — What to Expect
Fit & Comfort: Getting It Just Right
Our soft guards are designed to feel comfortable right out of the box—no long break-in period needed.
If you experience any tightness or looseness, we’re happy to remake or adjust your guard for an ideal fit at no cost. Just let us know where it feels snug or loose (front, right, or left), and we’ll fine-tune it for absolute comfort.
Remakes: If your original impression missed the molars or looks distorted, we’ll send a complimentary redo kit to ensure a perfect capture before we remake your guard.
When to See a Professional
-
Sores not improving after 7–10 days, increasing pain, or signs of infection.
-
Trauma that bleeds heavily, deep lacerations, or swelling that affects swallowing or breathing.
-
Red-flag sleep signs: loud snoring, choking arousals, morning headaches, uncontrolled daytime sleepiness.
Care, Cleaning & Longevity
-
Rinse after wear; brush with soft toothbrush + mild dish soap (no toothpaste—too abrasive).
-
No hot water, boiling, or dishwashers.
-
Store dry in a vented case.
-
Expect to replace a clear soft guard about every 12 months to 3 years depending on bite force and care; night guards typically last longer based on material and grinding intensity.
Material safety: We use medical-grade, BPA/BPS/MMA- and latex-free thermoplastics designed for in-mouth use.
Costs, HSA/FSA, and Re-Orders
-
HSA/FSA: Eligible (most customers just pay with their HSA/FSA card).
-
Reorders: Quick & Easy
All impressions are digitally scanned and stored, so your custom file stays on hand for effortless reorders. You can reorder anytime without taking a new impression—unless your teeth or bite have changed.
-
Shipping & warranty: You’ll receive USPS tracking on ship; adjustments and workmanship are covered under our warranty—just message us and we’ll take care of you.
FAQs
Will a Guard Move My Teeth?
No—our guards are made from a soft, flexible material that cushions your teeth rather than moving them. It’s normal to feel a bit of gentle pressure when you first remove the guard in the morning, but that feeling should fade within minutes.
If you ever notice persistent tightness or bite changes, just let us know and we’ll make any needed adjustments for you. 💚
Can a Guard Make Tongue Biting Worse?
Unlikely. In fact, wearing a soft guard (especially on both upper and lower teeth) helps prevent the teeth from being able to “catch” the tongue or cheek. The smooth surface acts as a cushion, reducing the chance of soft-tissue injury while you sleep. 💚
Is tongue biting dangerous?
Most injuries are minor. Seek care for deep cuts, heavy bleeding, fever, or swelling that affects breathing/swallowing.
What Thickness Should I Choose?
For tongue and cheek biting guards, there’s no need to select a thickness — they’re made at a standard 1 mm for comfort and flexibility.
I Have Braces or Aligners — What Then?
Our impression system isn’t compatible with braces. Do not use our impression system if you have traditional braces, loose teeth, or loose dental work.
If you’re currently wearing retainers or aligners, those appliances already help protect your tongue and cheeks much like our relief guards do. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, we can create a custom guards based on your new smile. 💚
How Sentinel Helps 💚
-
Custom Tongue & Cheek Biting Relief Guard to stop injuries now
-
Night guards in soft, dual-lam, or hard to protect teeth and relax the jaw
-
Redo impression kits and free adjustments to perfect your fit
-
Fast turnaround with USPS tracking + friendly support
Ready to stop biting your tongue at night?
Protect your mouth with a custom Tongue & Cheek Biting Relief Guard or Night Guard—made to your bite, tuned to your comfort.