A common condition called TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder affects the jaw, face, and neck. TMJ causes a lot of pain in the jaw, face, and neck and several other issues. A popular treatment option for temporomandibular joint disorder is to use a mouthguard. But can these mouthguards really help to protect from TMJ pain? Don't worry, we can talk in detail about them.
In this guide, you can learn a lot about mouthguards and the science behind them. We also tell you about various types of mouthguards that are used to treat and manage TMJ pain and symptoms.
Suppose different questions are wandering in your mind, like buying these mouthguards safe or not or which type of mouthguards are best to use. So, keep reading this article and get all the answers related to TMJ and mouthguards.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
There are different causes of TMJ pain. But the most common cause of this disorder is teeth grinding or clenching. When you grind something, it puts pressure on the jaw joint or muscles around it. Another cause is arthritis of the jaw joint. All these causes make joint movement difficult.
Sometimes, the cause of TMJ pain is having some kind of injury in a related area. The main reason for this injury is a fall, a car accident, or a hard hit on the face.
In some cases, TMJ's exact cause is unknown. However, some factors, including stress, genetics, and lifestyle habits, are thought to be the reason for TMJ pain.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw locking
- Ear pain or ringing
- Headaches
- Facial muscle tenderness
How Do Mouthguards Work for TMJ?
Mouthguards can help with TMJ pain by:
Preventing Teeth Grinding and Clenching
The best way for mouthguards to help with TMJ is to prevent the teeth from grinding and clenching. A common habit that puts a lot of stress on the jaw joint. But when you put on a mouthguard, it can help to protect your teeth and reduce pressure on your jaw.
Reducing Jaw Muscle Tension
Mouthguards can not only reduce stress on the jaw joint but also reduce muscle stress. When you grind something in your mouth or clench your jaws, it can make the muscles in your jaw tight and painful.
Improving Bite Alignment
In various cases, TMJ pain is caused by misalignment of the teeth. When you use a mouthguard, it can help to improve your bite and reduce the pressure on your jaw joint.
Types of Mouthguards for TMJ
There are two main types of mouthguards that can be used for TMJ:
Custom Night Guards
These mouthguards are especially created to fit your mouth. You can get them mostly from the dentist or dental technician. If you want the most effective mouthguards for the TMJ, then custom made mouthguards are the best option, and they are also expensive.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
You can get these mouthguards from any medical store or from the pharmacies. If we compare their prices, they are less expensive than custom-made mouthguards. Over-the-counter mouthguards are made up of soft material, which can make them more comfortable.
Which mouthgaurd is best for TMJ pain?
The best mouthguards for temporomandibular joint disorder are custom nightguards. They are created by dentists specially for you, and they are fit for your mouth. They can reduce teeth grinding and jaw muscle tension and improve bite alignment.
Are you in search of a custom night guard? We bring the best quality Kiry custom night guards for you. They can reduce the stress caused by TMJ and provide the best option for a mouthguard that suits you.
Benefits of Using a Mouthguard for TMJ
Using a mouthguard for TMJ can offer several significant benefits:
Pain Relief
The best result of using a mouthguard immediately is pain reduction. By stopping teeth grinding and clenching, mouthguards reduce jaw pain, facial discomfort, and headaches. Using mouthguards will improve your life.
Improved Sleep
Teeth grinding leads to disruption in sleep, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty in concentrating. When you use mouthguards, they can prevent teeth grinding and promote better sleep.
Preventing Tooth Damage
Teeth enamel is getting damaged by teeth grinding, which leads to tooth sensitivity, chipped teeth, and even tooth loss. Using mouthguards acts like a protective layer between teeth, stopping damage and helping you to maintain your oral health.
Reducing Jaw Muscle Tension
Your muscles become sore and tense when you grind your teeth and clench your jaw. But when you use mouthguards, they can help you reduce pain and help in relaxing your muscles. The best benefits of mouthguards are reducing the headaches and facial pain caused by TMJ.
Improving Bite Alignment
In various cases, the reason behind TMJ pain is misalignment of the teeth. The mouthguards will adjust your bite and also help your teeth to move in a better position, which reduces the pressure on the jaw joint and removes the symptoms of TMJ.
FAQs
Are mouthguards effective for all types of TMJ pain?
Mouthguards can be effective for many people facing TMJ, but they may not be a solution for everyone. The effectiveness of a mouthguard depends on the underlying cause of your TMJ pain. If your TMJ is caused by a more severe condition, such as arthritis or a bite misalignment, you may need additional treatments.
How long does it take to see results from using a mouthguard?
How long it takes to feel better after using a mouthguard can be different for each person, depending on how bad your TMJ symptoms are. Some people might feel relief in just a few weeks, while others might have to wear the mouthguard for several months to notice a big change.
How often should I wear a mouthguard?
It's usually a good idea to wear a mouthguard while you sleep at night. But if you have a lot of problems during the day, your dentist might tell you to wear it then too.
How do I know if a mouthguard is the right treatment for me?
If you have jaw pain from TMJ, it's a good idea to see a dentist. They can figure out what's causing it and suggest the right treatment. Your dentist will check if using a mouthguard could help you.