If you have unexplained jaw pain, you could be causing it and not even realize what you are doing. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are two common causes of jaw pain. However, a person may do these things, especially at night, and have absolutely no awareness of it. When they wake in the morning with this “mystery” jaw pain, they are baffled as to the cause. The good news is, a simple nightguard from Lovett Dental Corpus Christi can correct the problem. As a result, the jaw’s injury that is causing the pain is relieved, and the jaw can heal.
What Are Nightguards?
Nightguards are dental devices, a prosthesis if you will, that fit over the top of your teeth. They provide a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from the damaging effects of teeth grinding.
When you grind your teeth, you break down the tooth enamel and even the tooth itself. This can cause excessive wear and tear on all of your teeth. Many people think that teeth grinding is confined to the back molars only, but this is not the case. People can also grind their front teeth as well. Even that is not as common.
The problem is it doesn’t really interrupt your sleep enough for you to be aware. You will have to look at the signs like damaged teeth or jaw pain to figure it out. If someone sleeps with you, they may tell you that you grind your teeth. If so, take it seriously and take steps to protect your teeth.
Why Do I Grind My Teeth?
There are many reasons why you might grind your teeth, but the most common is stress. Teeth grinding is a prevalent stress response, whether it’s a stressful job, the tension between friends or family members, or pain that causes stress in your body. It is also quite possible to have no idea that you are under stress or bothering you.
So, if you notice the signs of teeth grinding, seek dental services. It could mean that you need to relax more and learn how to manage your life’s stress better.
Jaw Pain from TMJ Disorder and Bruxism
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have a left and a right joint located on either side of your head. It moves like a sliding hinge, which gives it a little more room for motion than some of the other joints in your body.
TMJ disorder occurs when one or both of the joints or the connecting muscles are injured.
The jaw is one of the hardest working joints in your body. You talk, you chew, you yawn, and do other things that overwork those muscles as well as the joint. Like any other part of your body, overuse puts stress on those areas, causing pain and stiffness. Bruxism or teeth grinding is a common cause of TMJ disorder. Sometimes the cause is never found.
Nightguards for bruxism are an effective treatment that can help protect your teeth and prevent you from clenching your jaw while you sleep. Using nightguards for TMJ disorder s a common dental practice because even if the cause of the TMJ pain is not known, bruxism is a common cause. Many general dentists will begin there for that reason and because it is usually a quick-acting solution that provides fast relief—nightguards work.
Contact Lovett Dental Corpus Christi
If you have jaw pain, you don’t have to suffer needlessly. Call Lovett Dental Corpus Christi today at 361-986-1117 to schedule an appointment to talk about nightguards, and if they can help you. We will help you determine the cause of your jaw pain and recommend solutions that can help. You should notice a difference after the first night. If you’re tired of jaw pain, make the call. We’ll help you get relief.