Mouth Guards are often prescribed to dental patients who clench or grind their teeth (called bruxism), but it could actually be making the problem worse.
Firstly, mouth guards do not address the root cause of WHY someone is clenching or grinding their teeth in the first place. The mouth guard plays an important role in protecting the teeth from wear and tear, no doubt about it. However, the ROOT CAUSE of clenching and grinding is due to an AIRWAY ISSUE.
The body will do ANYTHING it can to keep the airway open. Our body will recruit the jaw to help bring stability to an unstable airway. Clenching occurs when the muscles of the tongue and airway lack adequate strength, tone, and mobility to function properly. To prevent the tongue and airway muscles from collapsing backwards into the airway, which is what happens when a person snores or has sleep apnoea, the jaw clenches in an attempt to stabilise the muscles and prevent the collapse of the airway.
A person who is already struggling with an airway issue may try a mouth guard for teeth clenching; however, this only limits the amount of airway space a person has, and may make the airway problem worse.
The mouth guard will also lock the jaw into a fixed position, not allowing for natural jaw movement, which for people with TMJ dysfunction, can create even more jaw pain and exacerbate:
- Popping and clicking
- Headaches
- Jaw and face pain
- Sinus issues
- Tinnitus or a feeling of ear fullness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Vision disturbances
What’s the Solution?
A treatment plan that includes a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the airway issue, a prescription of functional exercises to strengthen the tongue muscle and muscles of the airway, and a hands-on treatment approach to relieve the muscles of the head, jaw, neck and shoulder muscles of tension, that kick in to support the airway when dysfunctional breathing becomes a problem.
The benefit?
By learning how to keep the muscles of the airway and tongue strong, this will improve your health as you age, as these muscles, like any other, are susceptible to decline in the aging process.
By maintaining a strong and healthy airway (and in my opinion, just as important as maintaining any other muscle group, if not more!) you will improve the QUALITY of your breathing, vital for adequate oxygenation of all cells, particularly when you are asleep, as this is when the majority of all healing happens. A body that cannot BREATHE or SLEEP well is a body that cannot HEAL well.
Book your TMJ Consultation & Assessment here – https://tmjtherapies.com.au/tmj-therapy/
*Not medical advice.
Always consult your Primary Care Provider before implementing any changes to your Health Care Plan.