TMD / Bruxism Night Guards Near You
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and bruxism are conditions that can regularly cause significant discomfort and affect your oral health. Both conditions can lead to various negative impacts if left untreated. At our family dental office, we strive to be your local provider of custom night guards near you to help manage these conditions and improve your quality of life.
What are TMD and Bruxism?
TMD refers to issues involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. This joint allows for movements necessary for chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMD can result from various factors, including injury, arthritis, or excessive strain on the jaw muscles.
Bruxism is the medical term referring to grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often occurring during sleep but can also happen during the day. Stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, and certain medications are common triggers for bruxism.
Why Should These Conditions Be Addressed?
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Pain and Discomfort
TMD can cause pain in the jaw joint, face, neck, and shoulders. Bruxism can result in sore teeth and gums, as well as headaches and earaches. -
Tooth Damage
Tooth sensitivity, fractures, and even tooth loss can occur due to the chronic grinding and clenching against the tooth’s enamel. -
Jaw Dysfunction
TMD can cause difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and a feeling of the jaw being “stuck”. -
Sleep Disruption
Bruxism can disrupt sleep for both the person experiencing it and their sleep partner, leading to fatigue and decreased overall well-being. -
Muscle Tension
Both conditions can make jaw muscles tense and lead to spasms in the jaw, causing further discomfort and pain.
We Provide Quality Night Guards
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance. You wear it over your teeth while you sleep. By having the appliance act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, it helps alleviate the symptoms of bruxism and TMD, including:
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Tooth Damage Prevention
A night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching, preserving your tooth enamel and preventing fractures. -
Jaw Strain Reduction
A night guard helps promote a more relaxed, less strained position. The jaw muscles and joints deal with far less strain, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort associated with TMD. -
Minimizing Muscle Tension
Wearing a night guard can help reduce muscle tension and spasms, relieving headaches and facial pain. -
Improvement in Sleep Quality
By mitigating the effects of bruxism, a night guard can increase sleep quality, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall well-being.
South Hill Dentist is Your Oral Health Ally
A custom night guard from our family dental office can provide significant relief and protect your teeth from further damage. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team to discuss your situation and determine if a night guard is the right solution for you.