Jaw Joint Problems and Bite Splints

Good advice

If symptoms appear suddenly, it may be a temporary strain that improves when circumstances change. In this situation, doing exercises and stretches can help. If the pain is severe, the dentist may sometimes recommend anti-inflammatory painkillers. Often, however, the pain is more persistent and maintained by stress and habitual behaviours that cause tension in the area. Teeth clenching, grinding, poor posture, muscle tension, and incorrect swallowing are all factors that can contribute to ongoing jaw tension.

Here are some tips that may help you:

Bite

Your teeth should not touch unless you are eating. Try to keep your jaw in a resting position, avoid yawning widely and chewing excessively, and do not eat hard or chewy foods.

Maintain good posture

Sit in a chair with proper support when working. Take breaks now and then to correct your posture. Sit as upright as possible when driving, watching TV, or reading. Use a small cushion to support your back. To correct your posture, stand up, push your chest forward and shoulder blades back, and squeeze the shoulder blades together. Posture is often poor when using a phone, so keep that in mind.

Good sleep is important for your health

To reduce strain on the jaw area, it’s best to sleep on your back and use a good pillow to support your neck. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, and if you sleep on your side, try not to rest your hand under your cheek. It can also help to switch sides of the bed occasionally.

Compresses

If you suddenly have severe pain and stiffness, cold compresses are helpful, but if the pain is more chronic, warm compresses work better. Apply the compress to your jaw for 15–20 minutes at a time.

Reduce stress

Meditation, yoga, and other activities that take your mind off daily stress can help you relax your facial muscles.

Habits

Do you have bad habits you could stop or reduce? Notice if you:

• Bite your nails
• Bite the inside of your cheeks
• Rest your jaw in your hand
• Clench your teeth
• Grind your teeth
• Press your tongue against your teeth and tense your facial muscles
• Use your phone to much

Pay attention if you have any of these habits and discuss them with your dentist.

Exercises and stretches

Exercises and stretches can relieve pain and improve mobility. Do not do any that cause pain.

• Relax your jaw and keep a gap between your upper and lower teeth. Slowly open your mouth as wide as you can and look up. Hold for a few seconds, then close slowly. Repeat several times.
• With your mouth closed but a gap between your teeth, move your jaw to the left while looking to the left. Do not turn your head. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat to the right. Do several repetitions in both directions.
• Roll your tongue back into your throat and slowly open your mouth as wide as possible while looking up. Repeat several times.
• Forced stretch – Use your middle finger on the lower teeth and your thumb on the upper teeth to stretch your mouth open. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat with the other hand.
• Forced opening – Place your thumb under your chin and press downwards while slowly opening your mouth. Hold for a few seconds while keeping it open.
• Forced closing – Place your thumb under your chin and your index finger between your chin and lower lip. Press gently while closing your mouth.
• Forced sideways movement – Place two fingers on one side of your jaw while moving it slowly in the same direction. Return to the start position and repeat on the other side. Do several repetitions in both directions.

Bite splints

Night-time clenching and grinding are difficult to control but can cause tooth damage, stiffness, and facial pain. Severe stiffness can pull on the jaw joint disc, causing it to deform or move out of place, which leads to clicking sounds. Grinding or crunching noises can indicate inflammation or wear.
To reduce night-time tension, a so-called bite splint may be necessary.
A bite splint is a clear plastic guard that snaps over the teeth. It is slightly thicker at the bite surfaces so you cannot fully close your teeth together. This protects the teeth from grinding and wear while reducing strain on the jaw muscles and joints. The splint is mainly worn at night but can also be used during the day or part of the day if strain is high.

What to expect

A bite splint improves symptoms for most people suffering from jaw tension and fatigue. It also protects teeth from the damage caused by grinding. While most people quickly get used to sleeping with the splint, some may take longer.
If the splint causes pressure on certain teeth or other discomfort, it’s best to contact us so we can adjust it.
It’s normal for your bite to feel odd when you remove the splint in the morning, but this quickly resolves and has no long-term effects.
You may also experience increased saliva production, which improves over time.
Bring your bite splint with you to dental appointments. The dentist will check it during routine exams, and sometimes it needs to be adjusted after new dental work.

How is the treatment carried out?

If your dentist thinks a bite splint could help you, your upper and lower teeth are scanned in 3D along with your bite. This information is sent to a dental lab, where the splint is made. When it is ready, you return to the dentist, who fits and adjusts it if needed. Once everything fits well, you take the splint home and begin using it.

How much does a bite splint cost?

There are several types of bite splints, so the price varies slightly. You can see an example price in our price list. Your dentist can give you an exact cost for your specific splint in advance.
Bite splints are fully covered by health insurance for children and partially covered for people with disabilities and seniors.

Could a bite splint be right for you?

At Tannlæknaþjónustan, we want to help you improve your sleep quality and comfort. If you think a bite splint could be the solution for you, you are welcome to book an appointment with us. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. We look forward to assisting you!