1. Buy a Ready-Made Mouth Guard
People who have TMJ--a disorder that is characterized by pain and clicking or cracking noises in your jaw when you chew, yawn and talk--often unwittingly grind their teeth at night. To prevent the tooth-grinding and the pain, wear a mouth guard at night. The guard is usually worn on the upper teeth, and creates a barrier that prevents them from meeting the lower teeth. You can't grind teeth that don't touch. If you have minor TMJ symptoms, use ready-made mouth guard, available at most sporting goods stores. These mouth guard are made of plastic that becomes pliable when heated. Boil the mouth guard according to the package directions and put it in your mouth while still warm. Your teeth will make an impression in the plastic so you can comfortably wear it.
2. Have a Customized Bite Plate Made
If you have advanced TMJ or the sports mouth guard doesn't work for you, your dentist or orthodontist customize a mouth guard or bite plate to prevent grinding and properly align your jaw and teeth. Your dental specialist will insert a moldable material into your mouth to make impressions. These will be used to make a dental appliance that fits your mouth. You may need to wear your guard or bite plate during the day and night to get the results you want.
3. Take Care of Your Mouth Guard
When you are not using your mouth guard, keep it in a container with air holes to prevent mildew. Store the guard away from extreme temperatures; it might melt if it gets hot or crack or shatter in the cold. Brush your mouth guard with toothpaste and rinse it with water before and after each use to clean any food particles from the small crevices.
