If you are experiencing pain and damage to your teeth from the effects of TMJ or bruxism, you may be wondering what you can do to treat your condition. TMJ disorder causes discomfort within your jaw from constant straining of the joint, and bruxism is the process by which you grind and clench your teeth repeatedly. Left untreated, either condition can greatly affect your quality of life.
Your Cerritos, CA, dentist can provide nighttime relief for these conditions with oral appliance therapy. By wearing an oral guard at night you can prevent each row of teeth from grinding against one another and wearing away at the enamel. Because this solution relieves tension within your jaw and can gently glide its position, a guard can help relieve the pain from TMJ disorder as well.
What Is Bruxism?
Whenever you chronically clench your jaw and grind your teeth, you can wear down your teeth to the point they appear small or begin to crack and chip. As this process, otherwise known as bruxism, wears away your enamel, you expose the insides of your teeth to oral bacteria. This means that tooth decay and infections can take hold more easily without the protection of your surface layer. The causes of this condition vary and include misalignment, lost teeth, TMJ disorder, and stress throughout your daily life. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help restore the appearance of your teeth after you end your damaging habit.
What Is TMD?
TMD, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when there is a misalignment in your bite that strains your jaw joints. This can limit your full range of motion when opening and closing your mouth and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as facial pain, jaw pain, headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder aches, and even a popping or cracking sensation in the jaw. Possible causes of this disorder include missing teeth, injuries to your face and jaw, damaged teeth, misalignment, or complications during the growth of the bone.
Treatment With An Oral Guard
Wearing an oral guard while you sleep can offer protection from the effects of TMD and grinding your teeth. This helps you prevent the unconscious destruction of healthy teeth and painful consequences of constant jaw straining. Made from a BPA-free material, an oral guard separates each row of your teeth and gently holds them in position to relieve the strain from a forceful bite.
Talk To Your Cerritos, CA, Dentist About Wearing An Oral Guard
Wearing a custom appliance such as an oral guard can offer comfort while you sleep. Rest assured that your oral guard can protect you from facial strain and grinding of your teeth. To discuss using this solution or repairing damage from either condition, please call your Cerritos, CA, dentist’s office at (562)-584-4082!
