TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, which is a condition that limits the movement of the jaw, often associated with pain. People who suffer from TMJ can tell you firsthand how painful it can be to wake up in the morning after a night of clenching. This pain can occur throughout the day and can make eating and drinking difficult. The good news is that there is a solution and that’s a night guard for TMJ.
By wearing a night guard for TMJ you are protecting yourself from the harsh symptoms associated with TMJ and clenching your teeth. The best type of night guard is custom-made. There are plenty of cheap night guards that you can find at your local drugstore but these are boil-and-bites and the durability and protection come into question. You’ll have to continue to buy them every few months as they deteriorate. To find the best night guard for TMJ you’ll want to visit your dentist or order a custom one online.
The dentist can craft you one but it will be expensive. You’re looking at a few hundred dollars and you’ll have to make an appointment to get your impressions completed and then return to pick up the night guard for TMJ. That can be hectic, expensive, and not ideal for your busy schedule. A great option to receive a custom night guard for half the cost of the dentist is from SportingSmiles. It’s the exact night guard you’d receive from the dentist but at a fraction of the cost. SportingSmiles send you their patented impression kit and with easy video and written instructions, you take your impressions before sending them back with free 3-way shipping. Once SportingSmiles receives your impression, they’ll craft you a night guard for TMJ.
By wearing a night guard when you sleep you’ll be protecting your teeth from potentially serious damage from grinding and clenching. When you grind your teeth, they are worn down, chipped, and can expose nerves. When this damage occurs, your teeth become sensitive to hot/cold foods and liquids. If you are having difficulty eating temperature-sensitive drinks and food visit your dentist to find the root cause of the issue.
Another protection you’ll have by wearing a night guard for TMJ is the defense against morning headaches. When you clench your jaw at night, your muscles are overworked. These overworked muscles become inflamed and irritated by all the stress. This stress goes into surrounding areas including your head resulting in morning headaches. If you continue to wake up with morning headaches, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night.
If you’ve been dealing with any of the symptoms above, make a dental appointment with your dentist to confirm the source of the pain. If it’s discovered that you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, you will need a night guard for TMJ. You can select from six different ones with SportingSmiles and the helpful night guard chart will help you determine which one you need based on your habit. TMJ is a serious issue that can cause damage to your mouth, jaw, and teeth. Make sure you are protected before the damage occurs.
