Benefits of Using Night Guard if You Suffer from TMJ Disorder

If you experience pain or discomfort related to the joints around your jaw, your dentist may recommend a nightguard. This oral appliance can help you feel more comfortable as you lay in bed. If you’re interested in a nightguard, what are its benefits? 

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of wearing a nightguard. 

What Is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint found on each side of your head. These joints are in front of your ears, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Your TMJ is a complex joint capable of moving forward, backward, or side to side. 

With help from your other muscles and ligaments, your TMJ lets you chew, swallow, and speak. It’s an essential joint you use every day. Unfortunately, your TMJ can experience complications, known as a TMD. 

What Is TMD? 

It’s common for people to refer to issues with their temporomandibular joints as TMJ, but the correct term for these issues is called a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). A TMD can cause tenderness in your joints, facial pain, or difficulty moving this joint. TMDs are an issue with the muscle, bone, or other tissue located in and around the TMJ. 

The severity of TMDs can vary from person to person. Most people have temporary pain or discomfort that they can manage themselves. Others may have significant problems that require surgery to correct. 

TMD Symptoms

You may experience different symptoms depending on the severity and cause of your condition. According to recent research, the common symptoms of TMDs include: 

• Pain in the jaw & surrounding muscles
• Pain in the neck or face
• Stiffness in the jaw muscles
• Limited movement of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Clicking or popping sounds from the TMJ area
• Dental problems, such as teeth wearing down
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Headaches 
• Shifts in the jaw, changing how the upper & lower teeth align

You may experience these symptoms on either or both sides of your face. When you experience pain and other problems with your TMJ, what causes this to happen? 

What Causes TMD?

Most cases of TMDs are a result of multiple factors, including jaw injury or disease. Dentists believe symptoms occur because of problems with the muscles in the jaw or in parts of the TMJ itself.  

Some potential causes of a TMD include: 

• Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head & neck
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Movement of the disc between the ball & socket of the joint
• Arthritis in the joint
• Tightening of your facial & jaw muscles or clenching your teeth due to stress

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a TMD, it’s important to have an assessment with your dentist. They can examine your jaw and determine the potential cause of your discomfort. Afterwards, they can recommend treatments to provide you with comfort. 

Treating TMD

Some people may not require treatment for a TMD due to symptoms going away with time. If your discomfort persists, your dentist can recommend several treatment options, including medications, surgical procedures, and therapies. 

Medications

Medications can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with TMDs. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, tricyclic antidepressants, or muscle relaxants. 

Surgical Procedures

Surgery or other medical procedures are typically a last resort when dealing with a TMD. If other treatments are ineffective, your dentist may recommend one of the following: 

• Arthrocentesis 
• TMJ arthroscopy
• Modified condylotomy
• Open-joint surgery

Therapies

Nonmedication treatments can be a common option to address TMDs. Your dentist may recommend physical therapies, such as exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles. Education can be beneficial as well—your dentist can help you understand what aggravates your jaw pain and teach you ways to avoid these triggers. 

Often, the most effective treatment for TMDs is the use of a nightguard. This oral appliance provides comfort and protection while you sleep. There are several benefits to using these devices. 

The Benefits of Using a Night Guard for TMD

If you suffer from jaw pain, wearing a nightguard can help protect your teeth and provide comfort. Many people clench or grind their teeth, causing potential damage. Wearing a nightguard covers your teeth at night, preventing damaged teeth, headaches, and a sore jaw when you wake up. 

Receiving a customized nightguard from your dentist offers more than protection from clenching and grinding teeth—you can enjoy a more comfortable bite. Your dentist can shape a guard that helps bring your teeth into a comfortable and natural alignment. 

Custom-made nightguards help your teeth come into a bite that protects your teeth while establishing a comfortable relationship between your TMJ and the muscles within your jaw. 

Don’t Let Pain Rule Your Life

TMDs can leave you with pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. However, you don’t need to live with this problem. Your dentist can help identify ways to relieve your discomfort, such as a nightguard. Contact your dentist if you’re experiencing jaw pain or other signs of a TMD.