Are Night Guards Enough for Jaw Pain and TMJ Relief?
If you're struggling with jaw pain or TMJ issues in, you may have been told that using a night guard is the solution. While night guards protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding (bruxism), they don't always address the root cause of your pain. In fact, they can sometimes make the situation worse.
Night guards are often prescribed as a quick fix, but if they’re too bulky, they can disrupt the natural function of your jaw. Instead of helping, this can lead to even more discomfort. Additionally, a night guard might not be the best option if it causes changes to how your jaw operates, leaving the original problem unchecked.
Here’s why night guards might not be enough:
Altered Jaw Mechanics: Bulky night guards can shift the position of your jaw joints, leading to increased strain and pain.
Increased Clenching: Adding plastic into your mouth can reduce space, causing you to clench even harder, which worsens tension in your jaw muscles.
Mouth Breathing: Night guards can promote mouth breathing, which often dries out the mouth and leads to more jaw pain.
Symptom Masking: They only address the teeth grinding, not the underlying cause of your clenching or grinding, which could stem from stress, jaw misalignment, or muscle imbalance.
Instead of using a night guard as a band-aid, it's crucial to find out why you're grinding or clenching in the first place. Identifying and treating the root cause is the key to real, lasting relief.
At Gate City Physio, Dr. Hillman specializes in personalized TMJ and jaw pain treatment. Our approach is to uncover the underlying causes of your discomfort through detailed evaluation, then develop a tailored treatment plan to restore proper jaw function and alleviate your pain.
Take the first step toward effective TMJ relief today!
Book a complimentary phone consultation with Dr. Hillman at Gate City Physio.
Discover the root cause of your jaw pain and get long-lasting relief!
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