Dental nightguards, especially those tailored for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) sufferers, promise relief from the debilitating jaw pain associated with jaw clenching and teeth grinding. If our dentist in Plant City, FL, has recently recommended a nightguard, or perhaps you’ve just decided to take control of your TMD, here are essential tips to ensure a smooth transition to night guardianship.
Wear It Before Bed
Just like a new pair of shoes, your nightguard needs to be broken in. Start by wearing it before bed for short periods. Watch the next episode of that show you’re binging or read a chapter in a book while wearing it. This not only helps you get used to the feel but also trains your mouth to find the new normal.
Get a Custom Fit
A nightguard that feels like a foreign object in your mouth is bound to create discomfort and dissuade you from using it consistently. At Inspired Dentistry of Plant City, we want to do whatever we can to make this process easy for you, so we make sure your nightguard is custom-fitted. This personalized approach can prevent shifting during sleep and reduce the risk of additional strain on your jaw.
Form Good Hygiene Habits
Not only will poor cleaning of your nightguard lead to dental health issues, but odors and buildup can also be incredibly off-putting, making you not want to use the product. Establish a routine of thoroughly cleaning the nightguard every morning with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. When done, store it in a ventilated container during the day.
Store Your TMD Nightguard Safely
Storing your nightguard properly in a dry case is essential for not only retaining its personalized shape but also preventing any pets from making it their chew toy during the day. If you have kids, you may want to keep it out of reach to deter curiosity.
Come for Regular Check-Ins
Our Plant City TMD dentist is your ally in this process, so use your routine cleanings and exams to discuss how you’re adjusting. We also schedule you for follow-ups for TMJ disorder treatment to ensure your nightguard is offering the support it was designed for. Feedback from these check-ins can help us tailor advice for daily management of your symptoms.
Practice Stick-to-itiveness
The most crucial tip for getting used to a nightguard? Consistency. There is no one-night solution to TMD, and your nightguard is no exception. It needs to become a part of your nightly self-care routine for you to reap the benefits of its protection and support.
Get Custom Fit and Custom Tips for a TMD Nightguard
TMJ disorder nightguards may take some time to get used to, but the prospects of a pain-free jaw and improved dental health are well worth the adjustment period. With these tips from our dentist in Plant City, FL, TMD suffers like you can navigate the early days of wearing a nightguard with ease, ensuring a smoother path to bedtime relief. Get your custom nightguard and tailored TMD treatment plan from Inspired Dentistry of Plant City today by scheduling a consultation.
