Therapy Options for TMJ/TMD, Bruxism & Teeth Grinding
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Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding in Lone Tree, CO
While with most health issues it’s easy to tell that something is wrong, for TMJ/TMD and bruxism, diagnosing the issue can be much more difficult. This is because these issues often occur while you are sleeping. This, in turn, leads to a lot of confusion during the daytime as to why they are experiencing so much pain and discomfort. In order to avoid the pain and damage to the jaw and teeth that comes with bruxism and TMJ/TMD it’s important to understand what they are, as well as what symptoms to look for. This will allow a patient to seek the treatment that they need to halt the progression of the ailment, and even reverse it completely.
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What is a Night Guard & Why Use It?
When treating bruxism or TMJ/TMD, a dentist will often use a night guard. A night guard is a plastic dental appliance that is used by the patient as they sleep. These guards are custom made for each individual patient to ensure the proper treatment of their ailment.
Night guards are an excellent form of treatment for bruxism and TMJ/TMD for a variety of different reasons—which is why dentists will often use them to treat these issues. Some of the reasons for a night guard include:
Reduction of Pain and Discomfort
Anyone that suffers from bruxism and/or TMJ/TMD understands the level of pain that comes from these disorders. They can often lead to lasting headaches throughout the day, jaw pain and so much more. This can make it difficult to focus, bite, chew and more. Night guards help to reduce or eliminate this pain.
Lower Dental Care Costs
It’s important to understand that bruxism and TMJ/TMD don’t just cause pain—they also cause damage to the teeth and jaw. This can in turn lead to the need for various teeth repair procedures that are uncomfortable and extremely costly. A night guard significantly reduces the chances of lasting damage—saving money on future dental care procedures.
Dual Treatment
Night guards can be used to treat both TMJ/TMD and bruxism—making them a simple solution for multiple oral health issues.
Am I a Candidate
In order to better understand if you need a night guard and if you are a candidate for one, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a dentist. They will then determine the source of your oral health issues. If they diagnose you with TMJ/TMD and/or bruxism, they will likely offer a night guard as a solution. From there they will begin the process of creating a custom night guard for your particular teeth and jaw, as well as for your particular needs.
Caring for a Guard
Because your night guard will be in your mouth every night, it’s important to keep it clean for the sake of your oral health—otherwise your gums may become diseased. It’s also good to take care of your night guard to ensure its longevity. Make sure to soak your night guard in a special solution and brush it regularly to keep it clean, and to ensure your ongoing oral health.
Consultation
If you are concerned about pain in your jaw, swelling, headaches, hearing loss or any other issues involving your teeth and/or jaw, make sure to set an appointment with your dentist for as soon as you can visit them. From there, they will look at your teeth and jaw, and help to determine the best course of action for treatment.