TM Disorders: Dental Splints-Topic Overview

TM Disorders: Dental Splints - Topic Overview

Dental treatment is sometimes used to treat temporomandibular (TM) disorders. Splints (bite plates, mouth guards), which are custom-made by a dentist, fit between the upper and lower teeth. They may be used for short periods of time to ease muscle tension and stabilize the jaw. Splints are worn mostly at night, because people tend to clench or grind their teeth during sleep.

In cases of disc displacement and muscle spasm, you may be advised to wear a splint during the day and at night for about 2 weeks, and then only at night during times of stress and pain. It may not be easy to get used to wearing and caring for your splint, but it is an important treatment that may last for 3 months or more.

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Dealing with TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of problems that cause pain and poor function in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. They're also called TMD, or TMJ (short for temporomandibular joint) disorders. TMD can be just a nuisance -- or it can be a life-altering problem. When it's less severe, crunching down on a hard bit of food can shoot a bolt of pain through the jaw joint -- unpleasant, to be sure, but not serious. With time and simple home care, the pain usually...

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Many people who have TM disorders find splint therapy helpful for treating pain and muscle tension.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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