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Traditional theories have linked tension-type headaches (TTH) to muscle contraction and tightness in your jaw, scalp, neck, and shoulders. A small, comfortable biteguard worn at night, called an NTI, works to reduce the intensity of clenching and teeth grinding. The nightguard enables the muscles of the jaw, head, and neck to relax, allowing you to find the relief you have always wanted from your headaches and/or jaw pain. In addition to our comprehensive dental care, the team at Farmington Village Dental Associates offers custom NTI devices to help relieve your headache and jaw pain.
Bruxism is the involuntary or habitual clenching together of upper and lower teeth and is often accompanied by grinding, which is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Bruxism often happens during sleep and can put unhealthy pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other surrounding structures of the jaw. It can also cause jaw joint disorders, headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, ear pain, tense muscles, and excessive wear on your teeth.
Collectively these symptoms are referred to as “TMJ” problems (temporomandibular joint, or the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw). Bruxism is a common problem affecting an estimated 30-40 million Americans and if left untreated, it can permanently damage the temporomandibular joint as well as the teeth. The cause of bruxism is not completely known and is possibly multifactorial. While many will agree that stress and anxiety play a major role others will argue that a small airway, a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite and/or the position of the teeth are also contributing factors.
Stress reduction and anxiety management are methods always recommended to reduce the effects of bruxism, the use of nightguards as a protective treatment is also recommended. The NTI device is a small, FDA-approved mouthpiece that fits securely on your front teeth while you sleep. Ask us how an NTI nightguard could help you have more peaceful nights and more pain-free days! Contact us to schedule your first appointment today.
Many people think that Botox is "just for faces" but it turns out that Botox treatment can be a very effective treatment for patients with TMJ discomfort.
I was suffering from severe migraine headaches and I was grinding my teeth at night. Dr. Nadeau indicated my headaches were (at least partially) a result of the night grinding. She made me a nightguard and it has saved my life. I can’t sleep without it. I had migraine headaches three times a month and some were debilitating.
Dominick G.
Navigating through dental care decisions can be tricky, but you're not alone. Whether you're curious about treatment options, have concerns about dental health, or simply need to schedule your next visit, we're ready to help. Reach out today!
