Comprehensive Guide to Using a Night Guard for TMJ
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is what connects the jawbone and around 11-12 million people in the United States experience TMJ pain. Using a night guard for TMJ can help relieve pain and promote long-term preventative health.
This article will outline what a night guard is, how they can help TMJ pain, and offer some great options in terms of which night guard might be best for you.
Table of Contents
Using a Night Guard for TMJ
Using a night guard for TMJ is a great way to quickly find some pain relief from the condition. Although it might not fix all cases of TMJ pain, using a night guard for TMJ is a very common and cost effective practice.
Many times, TMJ pain can come from over use of the jaw. This can happen while you sleep if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Using a night guard for TMJ will prevent you from clenching or grinding, which in turns should bring you pain relief.
In order to fully understand why a night guard can be so beneficial, it’s good to first gain a better understanding of what a TMJ disorder is and why it can hurt so much.
What is TMJ Disorder or Disfunction
A TMJ is made out of bones, cartilage, discs, tissues, and muscles. Common symptoms of TMJ pain in these areas are:
- Pain the jaw area
- Pain that radiates and surrounds the ear
- Pain when the jaw moves while chewing, and talking
- Difficulty opening the jaw that may or may not be painful
- Popping, crackling, or other noises that may or may not be painful
- Locking of the jaw while opening or closing
TMJ disorder or dysfunction comes with pain in the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it. A night guard for TMJ pain can help alleviate these symptoms and promote relief. TMJ dysfunction or disorder can be caused by:
- Damaged joint cartilage caused by arthritis.
- The jaw is out of alignment causing jaw disk erosion.
- Trauma to the jaw and jaw joint.
- Long term grinding and clenching
- Chronically overworking the jaw with constant movement over time.
In extreme cases, pain associated with TMJ disorders may need a surgical procedure. For more information, check out our Healing Pain in Jaw article.
What is a Night Guard for TMJ
A custom-fit night guard is a great way to alleviate pain and prevent damage to the anatomy surrounding the TMJ. A night guard is a barrier between the top and bottom teeth opening the jaw slightly.
Here are some of the benefits from a professionally made night guard:
- Provides a custom fit that protects the teeth and stays in the mouth better while sleeping
- Promotes tension relief and cushions the jaw muscles promoting relaxation
- Prevents future damage to the TMJ and surrounding anatomy
- Promotes TMJ healing and long-term relief
You may see over-the-counter night guards at the store marketing healing common TMJ pain. Take Home Smile does not recommend these products because:
- The soft plastic material used is not long-term and breaks down quicker and stops working.
- The chewable material works the jaw joint more, activating the TMJ muscles more for long periods damaging the anatomy, and continuing the TMJ pain cycle.
- The custom fit is lacking and weakens over time. The loose fit makes it easy for you to remove the night guard subconsciously while sleeping.
Additional Ways to Prevent TMJ Pain
TMJ pain can make it difficult for the jaw movement responsible for chewing and talking. During periods of TMJ pain, support the joint by:
- Eating a soft food diet minimizes jaw joint movement and promotes muscle relaxation.
- Warm compresses help with muscle pain and stiffness. Heat will increase blood flow and help relax the muscles that support the TMJ. Use for periods of 15-20 minutes.
- Cold compresses will help with pain associated with inflammation and swelling. Alternate for periods of 15-20 minutes.
- Use over-the-counter NSAIDs as instructed to reduce inflammation while reducing pain.
Using a night guard for TMJ relief can help patients promote muscle and joint healing and pain relief. Talk to your dental team about making a custom-made night guard. If your jaw pain is caused by a tooth inside the mouth, check out our article on Tooth Jaw Pain Relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can night guards make TMJ worse?
Over-the-counter, softer material night guards bought in the store and online can make TMJ pain worse by exacerbating the symptoms and making the disorder chronic. The material used triggers the brain to chew and overwork the joint for long periods of time.
What kind of night guard is best for TMJ?
The best type of night guard is professionally made by a dental professional and made out of a hard plastic material. Your dental clinical will make a custom-fit night guard for TMJ fabricated through a 3D computerized scan or an in-office impression.
How do you calm a TMJ flare up?
To calm the TMJ and surrounding muscles, alternate with warm and/or cold compresses. Minimize jaw movements and avoid opening the mouth wide. Use NSAIDs pain medication as instructed when needed. Long term, talk to your dental professional to treat the symptoms and help fix the route cause of the TMJ disorder.
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