Sleep Guard for TMJ
Buy NightguardYour Custom Nightguard
Fit your CustMbite nightguard in a few simple steps!
smile and comfort in mind
The temporomandibular joint (often shortened to TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. The root of TMJ disorder, or TMD, can have many different causes. If you receive an injury to your teeth or jaw, you may feel lingering discomfort or pain around your TMJ. You may also experience TMJ pain if your teeth or jaw are not aligned correctly. Other causes of TMJ disorder are as varied as teeth grinding or clenching (whether you’re awake or asleep), arthritis in the TMJ, poor posture, excessive stress, and even habitual gum chewing. Continue reading to learn more about TMJ disorder and how using a CustMbite Nightguard can help to ease its symptoms.
Jaw pain is the most obvious sign that there is something wrong with your temporomandibular joint, but it is far from the only symptom. Many people who suffer from TMJ notice that their jaw clicks or pops when they yawn, speak, or chew food. In addition, you may experience pain in your ear rather than in your jaw. You may also hear popping sounds that have no obvious cause.
Some people with TMJ disorder experience headaches that are centered in their temples, which is another symptom that may be linked to TMJ. You may also notice that your jaw muscles feel stiff or sore when chewing. Perhaps the most alarming sign that you have TMJ issues is the locking of the jaw joint. This is not the same as lockjaw caused by tetanus, as you can generally pop your joint back into place, with or without pain. However, it’s important to treat your TMJ before you reach this stage.
Certain people have a higher risk of developing TMJ disorder. Those with poor posture in their necks and upper backs may end up with neck strain, which can lead to abnormalities in the proper function of the jaw muscles. Excessive stress can also increase general muscle tension, including the muscles surrounding your jaw. The resulting jaw clenching can contribute to TMD. And as mentioned above, people who have improperly aligned teeth or have experienced trauma in the teeth, face, or jaw have a greater risk of developing TMJ issues.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder are often especially painful during the evening hours and overnight, which can make it difficult to get to sleep — and stay asleep. However, there are several different at-home remedies that can help to temporarily relieve the pain of TMJ disorder symptoms.
You can apply ice or a cold pack to the joint, which may offer enough temporary pain relief to help you get to sleep. If this isn’t enough on its own, you may want to ask your doctor if an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, or aspirin is right for you. Another potential source of temporary relief are essential oils with sedative qualities, like lavender, sweet marjoram, sage, or chamomile. However, the common downfall of these options is their temporary nature. The ice will melt, the pain reliever will wear off, and the essential oil will evaporate.
Attacking the root of your TMJ problems using specific techniques can provide longer-lasting relief. For example, if you are experiencing a great deal of stress (as many of us are these days), you can incorporate relaxation and stress management strategies to relieve the stress that may contribute to your TMJ disorder. Gentle massage and stretching of the jaw and neck muscles may also help to alleviate the discomfort caused by a minor injury. If this is a good option for you, your doctor can demonstrate the kinds of stretches that would benefit you most.
Another popular remedy is using a sleep nightguard like the CustMbite Nightguard. Our nightguard offers advanced TMJ and bruxism protection while you sleep. Wearing this nightguard can help to reduce headaches and jaw discomfort. Of course, you must wear it each night to experience relief. We developed our patented VistaMaxx material to be thin and flexible, yet tough enough to stand up to teeth grinding and clenching night after night. It’s less bulky than many similar products, which makes wearing a CustMbite Nightguard much more comfortable.
In addition to being effective and comfortable, the CustMbite Nightguard is easy to fit. When you receive it, you can customize it to fit your mouth in just a couple of minutes. There’s no mess involved either. All you need is a microwave, a bowl of cold water, and a couple of minutes. It’s equally as easy to clean your CustMbite Nightguard. You can toss it in the dishwasher in its handy case, and when the dishes are clean, so is your nightguard. Get relief from the pain and discomfort of nighttime TMJ symptoms and order the best sleep mouthguard today!