Bite-Guards

Sports Mouthguards

Jaw Pain

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

The jaw joint, medically referred to as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, is made up of the bone below the mouth (the mandible, commonly referred to as the jawbone) and the bone just above the mouth (the maxilla). The TMJ allows the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw and is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

The temporomandibular joints are complex structures containing muscles, tendons, and bones. Injury to or disorders of these structures can all result in pain in the jaw area. Jaw pain may occur on one side or on both sides, depending upon the cause. Also depending upon the exact cause, the pain may occur when chewing or may occur at rest. Additionally, other medical conditions not related to the TMJ may cause perceived pain in the jaw area. One of the most characteristic of these is the pain associated with coronary artery disease (angina) or heart attack, which typically occurs in the chest but can radiate (spread) to the jaw area. Some kinds of arthritis, often osteoarthritis, can affect the TMJ and lead to pain when moving the joint. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition of the nervous system that causes extreme facial pain that sometimes involves the jaw area. Jaw pain can be associated with other symptoms, including

• a “popping” sensation,
• tooth pain,
• difficulty chewing,
• tenderness and aching of other areas of the face or neck.

By reducing or eliminating the clenching, you’re effectively relaxing the jaw and minimizing the source of the pain. Bite-guards are used as treatment to prevent night time damage associated with grinding and clenching.  We will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard.  On average, guards last average of 3-6 years depending on your symptoms.

Mouthguards

are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may be hit. Guards also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

Numerous surveys of sports-related dental injuries have documented that participants of all ages, genders and skill levels are at risk of sustaining dental injuries in sporting activities, including organized and unorganized sports at both recreational and competitive levels. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, have inherent injury risks, dental injuries are also prevalent in non-contact activities and exercises, such as gymnastics and skating

To help with preventing dental injuries we are currently offering a free mouth guard. Restriction apply: must be current patient of record, impression for mouthguards must be scheduled at the same time as patients dental check up appointment and is available for elementary or high school students only.