TMJ Treatment – Why A Bruxism Guard May Be Your Best Solution

If you find yourself waking up with a sore jaw, a headache, or sensitive teeth, you may be unknowingly clenching or grinding your teeth during the night. People often learn that they grind their teeth in their sleep by their sleeping partners, who hear the grinding during the night. This is s condition called “bruxism,” and should be taken seriously, as allowing the condition to continue untreated can lead to damaged teeth and other health problems. Severe cases of bruxism can even result in permanently damaged, loosened, or fully lost teeth.

Before you sign up for any pain relief treatment, you first have to learn why such a headache occurs. TMJ headaches stem from the trigeminal nerve, which is the sensation center for your eyes, jaw, tongue, teeth, sinus, and palate lips- basically, your entire face. The trigeminal nerve also serves as receptor for neck and shoulder muscles. If you are stressed out , have clogged sinuses, severe colds, or incur any injury in any of these parts, the trigeminal nerve will be compromised, and you will experience pain that may go on for hours. The only way to alleviate this pain will be to undergo TMJ treatment. You can always go to the doctor in order to get prescription for painkillers or other drugs that may aid in TMJ headaches treatment, but the best alternative would be to cure yourself via home treatment. This will not only help you save money but also enable you to expand your knowledge about headaches and how to cure them without the aid of drugs.

Symptoms Of Bruxism

You’re at the office, finishing your last task for the day, when a sudden headache causes you to pause and knead your forehead. As if it’s not enough, the nauseous pain spreads to your eyes, teeth, neck, and shoulders. You clench your fists, close your eyes, and rest until the pain ebbs away. The damage has been done, though- not only were you unable to finish your last task, you also feel that it’ll take a while for you to gather strength to stand up and go home. If you’ve experienced this several times already, it’s imperative for you to get TMJ headaches treatment. It’s the only way for you to attain TMJ pain relief and help you return to top working shape.

Indications that you may have bruxism include jaw or face muscle pain, earaches or headaches, soreness radiating from the shoulders, stiff neck, and disruptions to your or your partner’s sleep.

Worn, loose, or sensitive teeth can also be symptomatic of bruxism. Completely lost teeth can occur in severe cases.

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism’s causes are still being studied, but many medical professionals believe that anxiety, stress, and suppressed frustration or anger may be the causes. Misalignment of the upper and lower dental plates and sleep problems may also cause the condition.

Bruxism Treatments

Bruxism may be mild enough to not require treatment, however, you may want to inform your doctor or dentist if

• You have a constant pain in your jaw, ear, or face
• You notice that your teeth are worn and that the enamel looks thin
• Your family or others tell you that your teeth make a grinding noise in your sleep

Likewise, should you discover that your child is grinding his or her teeth, or exhibits these other symptoms, be certain to notify your child’s doctor or dentist during the next visit.

Cure for the Ache

The first thing you should do is go to your dentist and get fitted for a night guard. Also called an occlusal guard, this simple, inexpensive device can save you from living with constant pain. In addition to this essential TMJ headaches treatment, here’s a list of things you should do whenever you experience a TMJ headache:

• If you’re in a noisy environment, get away from the clamor and lie down in a quiet, dim-lighted room. Avoid headphones, earphones, amplifiers, and stereo speakers
• Use alternating hot and cold compresses on your forehead and neck. Change from hot to cold every five minutes. This should effectively reduce the pain of your TMJ headache
• Oils such as lavender, peppermint, and oregano are helpful in alleviating TMJ headaches. Massage any of these oils into your forehead, neck, shoulders, and temples. These oils also help unclog your throat and sinuses, and can
• Drink lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated during TMJ headaches helps ease the pain and improves blood circulation
• Don’t hesitate to yawn repeatedly when you’re in pain. Yawning helps facial muscles to relax. Reduced muscle tension may help cure your TMJ headache
• Take note of these prescription-free TMJ headaches treatment. Next time you feel an incoming TMJ headache, you won’t need to run to the doctor or reach into the medicine cabinet. Simply implement this wallet-friendly, hassle-free TMJ headaches treatment, and you’ll do just fine

Managing Bruxism With A Mouth Guard

The most effective treatment for bruxism is to use a custom-fitted mouth guard while sleeping. These are flexible, clear plastic devices shaped like the curve of your teeth and are placed in the mouth at bedtime.

They are similar in appearance to mouth guards used by athletes to protect their teeth, but designed specifically for dental purposes.

A bruxism mouth guard prevents tooth grinding by holding the jaws in place and reduces the pressure on the teeth. There is a physical barrier between teeth, preventing them from grinding together. They also can eliminate the grinding sounds made during the night.

Bruxism guards have been demonstrated to be an effective treatment by considerably lowering the severity of bruxism damage when utilized at night.

You can purchase high quality custom-fitted nightguards like those offered by your dentist at 50% less by ordering them direct from the lab. Click here to find out more about how you can order a custom fitted night guard for your bruxism.

Obtaining a Bruxism Guard

You can purchase a bruxism mouth guard from your local pharmacist, however, these are not as likely to fit as well as those made by your dentist, which are carefully shaped to fit exactly the shape of your mouth.

A much better option is to order a dental-grade, custom-fitted mouthguard from a dental lab like ProTeethGuard.com. Click here to learn more about the fitting process.

It may take some time to get used to sleeping with these devices in your mouth. When sleeping, comfort is always a factor, so it’s essential that the bruxism guard fit well. Some models are adjustable and can be set to provide a much better fit for your mouth.

If the problems persist, consult with your physician or dentist for advice about the best way to choose a proper bruxism guard to best suit your needs. With such an effective treatment readily available, there is no need to continue to suffer from this unhealthy condition that can permanently damage your teeth.