Wearing a mouthguard for TMJ is one of the quickest ways to reduce the effects your TMJ symptoms have on your everyday life. This is especially true if you have bruxism teeth clenching. Bruxism can cause pain in the muscles of your jaw, loose or cracked teeth, and exacerbate wear on the discs and bones of the TMJ. When you wear a TMJ mouthguard, it provides a cushion for your jaw and teeth, relieving some of the pressure.
While bruxism is most often thought of as something that happens overnight, a TMJ specialist may also recommend that you wear one during the day. For example, if you grind your teeth when you are anxious or clench when you lift weights, wearing a mouthguard can reduce the strain on your TMJ. If your doctor or dentist has recommended that you use a night guard for TMJ, you might be hesitant at first. When most people think of mouthguards, they think of mouthguards as bulky and uncomfortable.
It can be inconvenient and expensive too. A custom TMJ mouth guard made by a dentist can require multiple trips to the office, and they can cost hundreds of dollars. If you need to adjust the fit of your guard to accommodate adjustments to braces or dental work , you can. However, before you start wearing one, you should always:. Your dentist can provide professional advice and insight into your unique situation and needs.
They can also order you a personalized mouthguard for TMJ that correctly fits your mouth. The pain and discomfort of a TMJ disorder may not always be severe, but it can be very annoying. TMJ irritation can include:. The most common reason for TMJ dysfunction is grinding or clenching teeth. Talking to your dentist and getting a bite guard for TMJ is the best first step for relief.
A night guard will help decrease grinding and alleviate discomfort. At Northside Dental Co. Our expert dentists will take the time to understand your situation and prescribe the best treatment plan for you. Book your appointment online today.
New patients are always welcome! May 24, What is a TMJ Disorder? The most common signs of a TMJ dysfunction are: Facial pain Headaches or earaches Pain or tenderness in your jaw Aching pain in and around your ear Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing Difficulty opening or closing your mouth When these symptoms arise, a TMJ disorder may be the culprit.
Occlusal guards for TMJ work in one of two ways: Preventing grinding Correcting jaw position Grinding and Clenching Prevention Dentists point to nighttime teeth grinding or clenching as the most significant contributing factor to TMJ disorders. TMJ irritation can include: Jaw pain Pain when opening or closing your mouth Headaches and earaches The most common reason for TMJ dysfunction is grinding or clenching teeth. Search for:. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Dental mouthguards — also known as splints, oral appliances or night guards — can protect your teeth, joints and help ease the pain. How can you find the right option for you?
The cause of bruxism might be stress and anxiety, antidepressant use, smoking or alcohol use. But, sometimes, it happens just because. Wearing a dental mouthguard for sleeping — not to be confused with athletic mouthguards like those worn by football players — can protect your teeth and soothe your jaw pain. These dental guards are available in pharmacies and sporting goods stores.
Some are sold in sizes like small, medium and large to fit different size mouths. That can provide a better fit than the one-size-fits-most variety. Dentists create customized dental guards to fit the shape of your teeth and jaw.
These are pricier than over-the-counter versions, but they fit better and are often more comfortable. And some dental insurance plans help pay for them. At first glance, boil-and-bite night guards and custom-made night guards might not seem so different. Kahn says. Custom mouthguards, on the other hand, can be adjusted to create a good bite — to help your teeth come together more comfortably and naturally.
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