Why would a nighttime mouth guard warn against using it if you have TMJ problems!
Question: Why would a nighttime mouth guard warn against using it if you have TMJ problems!?
I have some pretty bad TMJ issues and will be seeing a specialist shortly, but I grind my teeth so badly at night that my teeth and jaw hurt when I wake up!. I wanted to use an over-the-counter mouth guard for some relief until I see the specialist, but the package warns not to use if you have TMJ or jaw clicking associated with TMJ!. Any ideas as to why!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Night guards are sold over the counter not for TMJ problems exactly but for a condition known as bruxism or grinding of teeth!. Since you already have a TMJ problem, wearing mouth guards are going to worsen things because of abnormal muscle pull in the TMJ area!. Thats why dont use it when you are sleeping!.Www@Answer-Health@Com