Treat Your TMJ Disorder With a Mouthguard

TMJ disorder can uproot someone’s entire life by forcing them to live in near-constant pain. But, it doesn’t have to be like this. With the right approach, many people can successfully manage their TMJ disorder and alleviate their jaw pain and discomfort.

If you’re dealing with TMJ disorder, then you’ve probably heard that a mouthguard could potentially be a good solution. But can it cure TMJ altogether?

Find out everything you need to know about TMJ in this blog.
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What Causes TMJ?

There are many potential causes for TMJ disorders, such as:

• Joint erosion
• Arthritis
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Jaw bone defects
• Poor posture
• Trauma to the jaw area
• Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, etc.
  

It’s not yet fully understood why some people develop TMJ disorder. Your dentist will likely analyze your case in order to determine a potential cause, but even if you don’t pinpoint why you’ve developed this disorder, you can still successfully manage your condition.
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Can You Use a Mouthguard If You Have TMJ?

Yes. In fact, mouthguards are generally considered one of the simplest ways to reduce the symptoms of TMJ disorders and give people relief. Those who have TMJ because of bruxism (jaw clenching and teeth grinding) in particular can experience much-needed relief from using a mouthguard as it can take some pressure off the jaw and help it relax.
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When Can You Notice the Difference?

Some people might even experience relief just one day after wearing their mouthguard, while others might need some time to notice a difference.

This can depend on the severity of your symptoms, and how diligent you are with using your mouthguard. In most cases, mouthguards are worn at night, but some specialists can recommend daytime use as well if you have more severe symptoms, or you experience triggers during the day that can cause you to grind your teeth.
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Can You Permanently Cure TMJ?

Some patients can fully recover from a TMJ disorder and not experience a return of symptoms for the rest of their lives. But again, it generally has to do with why you’ve developed the disorder in the first place.

For instance, for mild cases that are caused by teeth grading during the night, sleeping with a mouthguard can be enough to free a person from TMJ disorder, possibly even permanently with the right care. But as of yet, there is no one size fits all cure for TMJ disorders, just effective ways to manage the condition and experience relief.
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Are You Suffering from TMJ Disorder? Lakeside Dental Can Help

Lakeside Dental understands the frustrations of living with a TMJ disorder, and we can help you seek the right treatment to manage your condition and get relief from your symptoms.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Blalock today, or call our practice at (865) 635-4999 for more information about our services.