Mouth guards?

[Anonymous]

Anyone use these and can recommend a brand? I have been having persistent jaw pain for the last month or so. First thought it was due to sinuses, but the sinuses cleared up and the jaw pain did not. It is right at the joint just below my ear, and only on one side. It feels like it is starting to affect my bite, probably because I am subconsciously favoring the other side of my face that doesn't hurt. Pain is predominantly when I open my mouth wide, but can occasionally be when I chew as well. I'm not sure what is causing this, but I'm thinking maybe I grind my teeth in my sleep (or at least clench) because the pain is worst in the morning when I first wake up. I'd like to try a mouth guard or any other remedies people who have been through this can recommend before bothering with an oral surgeon who would probably just prescribe painkillers or something. TIA.

[Anonymous]

You need to see a dentist. These are not sold over the counter, nor would you want to use something that claims it is a suitable OTC substitute.

[Anonymous]

Check your dental insurance to see if it's covered- they are not cheap. Mine was $600 and not covered by insurance. I did hear that some of the OTC were pretty good- it;s worth a a google search and read reviews given those are only $25 or so. GL.

[Anonymous]

See your dentist to see if he/she thinks one will help. A lot of things can cause problems like you are describing.

I got a night guard earlier this year. It wasn't cheap but I think it was definitely for the better. My insurance covered about 70% of the cost, I think. It all depends on your policy.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Your dentist can assess how much, if any, enamel has been worn off your teeth, which would indicate grinding or clenching.

[Anonymous]

Could the TMJ just flare up with no grinding or clenching? I have also had joint pain in my left wrist for quite awhile and I am wondering if this is just a general joint issue that might not be related to grinding or clenching at all. I know a doctor could tell me, I just hate the idea of seeing a GP and dentist and oral surgeon before one of them can finally give me an answer.

[Anonymous]

I have been grinding my teeth since law school. I didn't believe it until the morning after the first night I wore a tooth guard - there was a definite side-to-side sawing motion etched into the hard plastic which I don't make during the day. Since then I have always worn one but all have been custom made and cost $600 and up. Both of my children also brux and they both wear nightguards as well. Husband bruxes but he keeps losing his nightguard (also dogs like to eat them, FYI).
OUr son recently broke his in half so now we have to go through the drama of getting a new one made. One way to keep the cost down is to ask for the mold of your teeth which they do before the guard is made. My dentist gives me mine - that way, if your guard is mangled by the dog or lost, you don't have to pay the full $600 because you already have the cast in your hand to make the next guard from.
There IS an OTC biteguard which I strongly recommend you try. I just purchased one for my son since he is going to be without his nightguard until his dentist finishes the work on the new one. Several companies make them - there were two brands available at CVS. Both in the $35.00 range. You boil water, immerse the nightguard in the water for a minute. Let it cool for 20 seconds, then insert in mouth (it is not hot) and press down hard. Worked like a dream for me when I was inbetween the hard nightguards. I consider them suitable only as temporary devices because they are soft and eventually break down. But it would give you an idea whether or not you brux (look at the wear patterns the next morning). The hard, custom made ones give you more protection.
Also, to determine if you brux. Look in the mirror and see if you notice any slight wear on any of the teeth, top and bottom (for my kids it is the eye teeth). Then try to line up your bottom teeth and top teeth tip to tip. You may find this uncomfortable to do because it won't be the position you normally hold your mouth in while vertical and running around doing chores. My grinding pattern is nothing like what I thought it would be, but when I aligned the teeth, it was perfectly clear that I was grinding both the top teeth and bottom in position that I would never hold them in while sleeping. Try the OTC ones first - they come with a guarantee.