More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain.  Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

    Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth.  These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ's.  These TM joints work together to allow people to chew, speak, open and close.  Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

     A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.  Treatments for the pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth from grinding (TMJ guard).  They've been successful for many and our dentists can recommend which is best for you.

     Sports guards are resilient plastic appliances that have been designed in a fashion where they cover over and encase an athlete's teeth and the gums and bone that support them.

     The idea is that when a guard is worn it helps to provide protection for the hard (teeth and jaw) and soft (lips, cheeks, gums) tissues of the mouth by way of absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by traumatic blows. 

     The dentists at Somerset Family Dentistry, using impressions of your teeth can create a custom fit sports guard to aid in the prevention of sports related trauma.  These night guards also come in an assortment of team colors.