TMJ Pain and Dental Guards: What's the Connection!

Defining TMJ Pain

TMJ pain, or temporomandibular joint pain, is a common disorder affecting the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. If you have this disorder, you may experience discomfort, a restriction in the movement of your jaw, headaches, and other symptoms that can substantially affect the quality of your life.

Dentists recommend that dental guards, sometimes occlusal splints or night guards, are widely used to treat TMJ disorders. You can order night guard and manage your symptoms efficiently. Dental problems can manifest differently, but the common denominator is that they all involve the jaw joint.

 Bruxism - teeth grinding, clenching of the jaw, trauma, unaligned teeth, stress, and arthritis are risk factors that could contribute to TMJ disorders. Suppose you are suffering pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and the tissues surrounding it due to one of these conditions. In that case, it may not be easy to carry out the activities of daily living necessary to maintain your health.

Dental Guards

Dental guards are built to every patient's specific needs. They are meant to fit over the teeth. They can be made from different materials. In most instances, they are constructed out of plastic. Depending on the individual patient's particular needs, they can be linked to either the upper or lower jaw.

Dental guards can be beneficial for various reasons, including tooth wear prevention, TMJ protection, and the cure it provides for the repercussions of teeth grinding and clenching.

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, mostly during sleeping. It is one of the most common causes of discomfort in the TMJ area. If you apply excessive force on the teeth, jaw muscles, and TMJ, you might end up experiencing bruxism. It can have various side effects, such as muscle tension, headaches, and even irreversible damage to the teeth in certain cases.

Using dental guards is an essential component of any successful treatment plan for bruxism. These guards serve as a barrier of protection between the upper and lower teeth, decreasing the impact of the grinding forces on the jaw joint. They separate the upper teeth from the lower teeth.

The Connection between TMJ Pain and Dental Guards

The dental guard provides a cushioning effect, absorbing the pressure and distributing it more evenly throughout the guard. This way, dental guards can better accommodate the person's condition. This can help to relieve stress in the muscles, cut down on the amount of tooth wear, and possibly reduce the influence that bruxism has on the pain experienced in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The dental guard is a physical barrier that protects the upper and lower teeth from coming into direct touch with one another. This keeps the teeth healthy and strong. This helps to avoid wear and tear on the teeth that might be caused by grinding or clenching them.

As a result, there is less of a risk that the stresses of the grinding will cause any damage to the teeth or fractures. People also use night guards for TMJ pain.

Additionally, dental guards can offer the jaw joint stability and support, which helps ensure that the bite is correctly aligned and reduces the amount of strain placed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

You can purchase different types of dental guards in different designs and materials to cater to the specific requirements of patients. Dental guards can lessen the muscular strain and TMJ pain associated with various jaw misalignments or abnormalities. Dental guards can direct the jaws into a conducive position that is good for your oral health.

It is essential to remember that dental guards are not the ultimate cure for problems associated with TMJ. Instead, they are a management tool that can provide some respite from symptoms in the short term. They are used as a component of a treatment strategy that requires you to change your way of life, lower your stress levels, perform jaw exercises, and go for physical therapy. In more severe situations, dentists also suggest some more invasive therapies.

What You Should Do

You must seek the advice of a dental professional as soon as possible if you are having discomfort in your TMJ. It could save your teeth from being damaged.

Treatment Essentials

Your dentist will evaluate your symptoms and examine your jaw joint and teeth to ensure the etiology of your TMJ disorder. They will then formulate a treatment plan moving forward.

After they have completed the diagnosis process, there is a chance that they will use a dental guard as part of the treatment plan. They will construct the dental guard according to your size and preference.

They will consider your teeth and bite during construction to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that no irregularities are carried out once dental guards are employed. They might suggest custom made night guards for ease of use. As a result, you can better manage your pain without being uncomfortable all day.

Do Dental Guards Work for Everyone?

Even while dental guards can be helpful for many people who suffer from TMJ pain, they might not be the best option for everyone. Various dental guards are available in the market, ranging from soft to hard, depending on your preference.

The one most suited for you will depend on the severity of the problem at hand. If you have a habit of severe teeth grinding, you might have to select the hard mouth guard for additional protection. Your dentist will evaluate your health and recommend the best possible option.

What Are the Possible Treatment Options for TMJ Pain?

Some dentists may also recommend other non-invasive treatment methods, such as acupuncture, massage, and other bodywork forms, such as heat therapy. They may also require you to change your way of life so that you're less stressed and more focused on your recovery. If you change your diet and perform jaw exercises, you will see a great change in your TMJ pain.

Furthermore, dentists also recommend over-the-counter pain medications, hot or cold compresses, and physical therapy to help relieve discomfort and increase jaw movement.

If your TMJ issues are severe, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a TMJ specialist. These specialists focus on the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. They can analyze your condition more extensively and offer you treatment options for instant relief.

You can also provide more advanced treatment choices, such as injections of corticosteroids, splint therapy, orthodontic treatment, and even surgical operations in a very small percentage of extremely rare situations.

Final Word

Dental guards and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) pain are associated because of their reciprocal relationship to the jaw joint and the joint's movements. The most common cause of discomfort in the TMJ region is bruxism, which can be treated with dental guards. Dental guards also relieve tension and protect teeth from grinding pressures.

It is essential to consult with a dental expert to diagnose your disease accurately and decide the most effective treatment strategy. Schedule an appointment with a dental professional today.

If you are suffering from TMJ pain and are recommended to use dental guards, look no further and find the best online night guards here.