TMD/Bruxism Night guards Mississauga

Do you clench or grind your teeth?
You might be doing it without even realizing, especially while you sleep or when you're awake and stressed. This is a condition called bruxism.

For some, bruxism is mild and doesn't cause much trouble. But for others, it can be a serious problem, leading to:

• Jaw pain and disorders
• Headaches
• Damaged teeth
• Other related issues

It's important to know that frequent or severe bruxism needs attention.

What are the Signs of Bruxism?

How can you tell if you have bruxism? Look out for these common signs:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth: This can sometimes be loud enough to wake up someone sleeping next to you.
• Changes in your teeth: Your teeth might look flattened, or they could be fractured, chipped, or feel loose.
• Worn-down tooth enamel: This is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. When it wears down, the deeper, more sensitive layers of your tooth can be exposed.
• Sore or sensitive teeth: You might feel more pain or sensitivity in your teeth.
• Sores inside your cheek: This can happen from chewing on the inside of your cheek.
• Pain in your jaw, neck, or face: This pain might feel like a dull ache or soreness.

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to talk to your dentist. Regular dental checkups are also important because your dentist can spot signs of teeth grinding or clenching, even if you aren't aware of them. Your dentist might suggest a custom-fitted night guard (a type of mouthguard) to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep.

Understanding TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

TMD, which stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, can be another source of jaw-related pain and problems. Your temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. When these joints or the muscles around them don't work correctly, it can cause TMD.

People with TMD often experience:

• Pain in or around the ear, jaw, or the muscles in their face or temples.
• Trouble opening or closing their mouth fully.
• Noises like clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding when they chew, yawn, or open their mouth.

TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.

What Causes TMD?

In many cases, TMD isn't caused by just one thing. It's often a mix of factors, such as:

• Injuries to the jaw
• Joint diseases, like arthritis
• Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
• Tension in the head or neck muscles
• Stress

It's believed that bruxism and muscle tension can make TMD symptoms feel worse.

How Your Dentist Can Help with TMD

If you think you might have TMD, your dentist can help. To figure out if you have TMD, your dentist will:

• Talk to you about your health: They'll ask about your medical and dental history and your symptoms.
• Examine your jaw and bite: They may take X-rays (like a panoramic X-ray) to get a clear look at your jaw joint and the areas around it. They'll also check how your teeth fit together (your occlusion).
• Check your head and neck muscles: They'll feel for any swelling or tenderness in the muscles and tissues of your head and neck.
• Observe your jaw movements: They might ask you to do certain exercises or movements with your jaw.
• Refer you if needed: In some cases, your dentist might refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This is a specialist who can do more tests to confirm the diagnosis and suggest further treatment if necessary.

Custom Night Guards for Bruxism and TMD in Mississauga

If you're dealing with bruxism or TMD, a custom-fitted dental night guard can often provide significant relief and protection. Unlike over-the-counter options, a professional night guard made by your dentist is designed to fit your mouth perfectly. This ensures comfort and provides the best possible protection against grinding and clenching, which can also help to reduce TMD symptoms by easing pressure on your jaw joints and muscles.

At Smile Horizons Dental Arts in Mississauga, we create professional, custom dental night guards to help manage both bruxism and TMD. These guards are specifically made for you to:

• Protect your teeth from wear and damage.
• Reduce muscle strain in your jaw.
• Help relieve jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

What to Expect During a Consultation

When you visit Smile Horizons Dental Arts for a night guard consultation, here's what generally happens:

• Discussion of Your Symptoms: We'll talk about the pain or discomfort you're experiencing, your sleep habits, and any history of jaw problems or teeth grinding.
• Comprehensive Examination: Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, jaw joints, and facial muscles to assess your condition. This may involve checking for signs of wear on your teeth, listening for joint sounds, and feeling for tender areas.
• Impressions: If a night guard is recommended, we will take precise impressions (molds) of your teeth. These impressions are used to create a night guard that fits your mouth exactly.
• Custom Fabrication: Your custom night guard will be made in a dental laboratory using durable, high-quality materials.
• Fitting Appointment: Once your night guard is ready, you'll return for a fitting. Your dentist will ensure it fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments. They will also provide instructions on how to wear and care for your night guard.