I clech my jaw at night, especially when stressed and its causing a lot of problems. A guard protects the teeth but not necessarily the jaw as you're still clenching. I'm suffering now with tinintis, inflamed ear cartilage, inner ear fluid and neck pain, apparently all TMJ symtoms.
My doctor thinks my ear could be damage from Covid in April (covid long tail) as my main symtoms were in my throat, nose and sinuses, loss of taste and smell for nearly a month. IWaiting for an ENT appointment.
I haven't wear on my teeth, Feather, but i have cracked a tooth before, i just clench them together and its sheer pressure on the jaw. I wake up some mornings and around my ear and side of my jaw can feel numb.
Relaxation and learning to cope with stress is probably the best cure, easier said than done in these times.
If you get any relief with the exercises let me know and how to execise your jaw.