Night Guards
Tempro-mandibular jaw (TMJ) disorder is a common problem, and is related to excessive jaw clenching and grinding during sleep. This can lead to pain in the jaw, pain in the teeth, development of mobile teeth, tooth wear, and tooth breakage.
The main causes of clenching and grinding are related to stress and anxiety. A night guard is an appliance that is customized to act as a cushion between the top and bottom teeth which prevents the teeth from contacting during sleep.
The following can be used as a guide to help manage TMJ symptoms:
During episodes of pain and discomfort try the following:
- Softdiet
- Avoid gum chewing
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Warm moist towels
- Inti-inflammatory medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
- Be aware of body position
Visit the dentist to determine if a night guard is right for you.