Unfortunately if you DO have a tmj disorder, a night guard will not help. Sure, it will protect your teeth from the damage from any grinding you do in your sleep, but tmj disorder is from a misalignment that needs to be corrected professionally. To help alleviate any additional stress on the joint, avoid chewing on ice, gum, hard candies, etc. Even smoking and using straws.
A good chiropractor will be able to show you some great steps to use such as pressure points, jaw and neck exercises/stretches, and the best positions to sit and sleep to help keep that popping and locking up of the jaw.
If you haven't seen an oral maxillofacial surgeon for an eval, consider doing so if the pain is getting more frequent and more intense and if you are getting migraines as well.
Unfortunately if you DO have a tmj disorder, a night guard will not help. Sure, it will protect your teeth from the damage from any grinding you do in your sleep, but tmj disorder is from a misalignment that needs to be corrected professionally. To help alleviate any additional stress on the joint, avoid chewing on ice, gum, hard candies, etc. Even smoking and using straws.
A good chiropractor will be able to show you some great steps to use such as pressure points, jaw and neck exercises/stretches, and the best positions to sit and sleep to help keep that popping and locking up of the jaw.
If you haven't seen an oral maxillofacial surgeon for an eval, consider doing so if the pain is getting more frequent and more intense and if you are getting migraines as well.