Carl Stepp 
There are several possible causes for mysterious headaches or jaw pain in the morning, but for most people, bruxism or a TMJ issue is the culprit. Thankfully, a specially built night guard helps lessen the discomfort experienced in the mornings. If the problems persist, get help from a family dentist in Denver.
Bruxism and TMJ Disorders Explained
Bruxism is a widespread disorder that causes you to clench and grind your teeth excessively. It can occur throughout the course of the day or at nighttime and frequently goes undetected by the person who is being affected.
Children and adults can both develop bruxism. Fortunately, dental accessories like night guards can effectively treat the majority of instances. The most common causes of bruxism are excessive tension, nervousness, or an unusual bite.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, may also contribute to a person’s requirement for a night guard. Imagine your temporomandibular joint as a sliding hinge joining your skull to your jawbone. Pain in the facial muscles can develop when the jaw joint’s motion is limited or malfunctioning.
Symptoms of Bruxism
Informing our dentists of any indication of bruxism or a TMJ condition is recommended. The extended existence of either illness may lead to the potential deterioration of teeth, enamel, and other things if untreated.
Bruxism may be to blame if you go through the following:
- Dull headaches following awakening
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or face
- Teeth that are loose, chipped, cracked, or flattened
- Fatigue resulting from a lack of sleep
- Worn enamel on teeth
- Increased sensitivity or pain in the teeth
- Stiff or worn-out jaw muscles
You may talk to your dentist about the necessity for restorative operations like dental crowns or dental implants if your teeth are damaged as a result of your teeth grinding or clenching. Get tooth extraction therapy if it is necessary to cure seriously damaged teeth.
The Foundations of Night Guard Operations
Night guards shield your teeth and gums from the harm caused by teeth grinding and clenching. They do this by serving as an obstruction between your top and bottom teeth. When the night guard is in position, grinding and clenching the teeth is difficult since they cannot touch.
If you do attempt to clench your teeth, the night guard also has the effect of cushioning the jaw muscles. Its presence eases the strain placed on the jaw and stops localized pain and tooth enamel loss.
