Occlusal Guards

While dental issues like plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, and gingivitis are common, there are others less common situations that can also affect oral health. They are bruxism and Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Both can affect bite function and cause jaw pain over time if left untreated.

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What Are They?

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Patients who regularly grind their teeth suffer from bruxism. They are often unaware that they’re doing it because it happens at night when they’re sleeping. Over time, though, the constant grinding can wear down the tops of the teeth, weakening them and making them more susceptible to infections and further damage.

 

TMJ is often associated with teeth grinding. Patients who experience it have one or both of their jaw joints damaged. This may cause difficulty when biting or chewing, consistent jaw and face pain, and a popping sound when the mouth is opened and closed.

 

How We Can Treat It

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If we determine that you are suffering from bruxism and/or TMJ, we can fit you with a custom-designed oral appliance to help protect your teeth while you sleep. Your lower jaw may receive support from the oral appliance, too, by alleviating pressure on the jaw joints to help reduce TMJ symptoms. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule A Consultation With Us Today

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Taking care of your bite’s function is part of maintaining your oral health, and we can help by fitting you with an oral appliance. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.

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