If you have ever heard a click or noise when opening your mouth; or awaken up with pain around your ears; if you feel your chewing muscles are tired and cannot function correctly; probably you are amongst many others who suffer TMJ(Temporomandibular Joint) disorders.
The lower mandible is only “Hanging Bone” in our body; which is hold in place by tendons and muscles. If muscles and tendons are not working in harmony, one side of the lower jaw will move faster and another side is under extra tension. This simple “Dysfunction” in long term can lead to the constant pain.
Many factors can contribute to this dysfunction, but the most important factors are:
Grinding or/and clenching teeth
Insomnia / sleeplessness
Stress
Medications
Chronic gum disease
Decays
And honestly a lot more
Grinding and/or clenching are most important and many factors can trigger these “Para-functions”. Grinding and even worse clenching are the most destructive function to teeth and their supportive tissues like gum and underlying bone. In long term, we can see gum and bone recession, generalized sensitivity, severe teeth structure attrition, teeth mobility.
Considering the nature of the problem; it is not self-improving. Usually, with aging, it starts to get worse, and usually, it happens when and where that is most unwanted like wedding day, graduation day, exam night ext. If you have experienced any above-mentioned signs or/and symptoms call us at 416-223-7711 and come to have it checked.
What the treatment is that
The best treatment is an appliance, traditionally called “night guard”, which is a translucent plastic mold and fits on upper or lower teeth, not allowing teeth touching. It is made in a lab based on impressions from your teeth. Usually nowadays made from “Thermoplastic Materials”. These thermoplastic materials get sifter under warm water or in your mouth, so it is much easier to fit them in. Despite the old philosophy of using this guard just for nights, now we believe that the more we use “Mouth Guards” even during the day it will reduce complications faster. Using these mouth guards can even reduce the severity of gum diseases, reduce sensitivity and stop gum recession.
