More than 15% of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or head or neck aches.
In some instances, facial pain is caused by sinuses, toothache, or gum disease. However, this can also stem from facial muscles, strained jaw joints, or grinding or clenching teeth. If the ridges on tooth surfaces look flat or you occasionally wake up with jaw soreness, you may be grinding your teeth while your sleep.
Teeth grinding during sleep is a habit of one-third of Americans and employs ten times the force of normal chewing. Not surprisingly, it contributes to problems such as loose teeth, headaches, and pain in the temples and jaw.
In many cases, a custom-made mouth guard can provide relief and protect your teeth. These are created to give you an exact fit so it is comfortable for sleeping. The firm material it is made from often eliminates the urge to grind that softer, over-the-counter materials seem to encourage.
If facial or neck pain has become a persistent problem, call our office at (586) 739-2155 or mention your concerns at your next visit.
