What are Mouth Guards?

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Often, TMJ pain is a symptom of another problem, often tooth grinding or clenching. Also know as bruxism, griding your teeth can lead to premature wear, cracked and chipped teeth, and muscle pain in the jaw. Many people who clench or grind their teeth do not even realize it. This is because grinding and clenching often takes place at night while a person is asleep. Regular checkups and exams allow the dentist to monitor the health of your teeth and keep an eye out for signs of grinding. A custom night guard worn while sleeping might be the best way to prevent tooth grinding and clenching. In turn, this can reduce pain in the jaw and mouth, also.