I wear a lower during the day, but do not eat in it. My dentist doesn't want me to do w/o it more than 30 min. daily. I am a teacher and have no problems talking in it.
Then at night I wear an upper to keep from grinding and jaw from dropping. I had ear pain for a solid month, headaches, jaw tenderness, anxiety, and glands swollen until I found a TMJD specialist in my area of Texas.
He has worked wonders, and I am so relieved to have help. I am on the way to recovery and hopefully the splints will be temporary, at least the daytime one.
Using a straw, sleeping on my side or stomach, biting my inside jaw, chewing something tough, all seem to aggravate it, so I have learned what to avoid and take vitamin supplements, which all factor in healing. Sleep, rest, and walking also helps to reduce the inflamation.
I also did a lot of praying for relief and the right dentist!!!!!!!!!!
God bless you in your journey. It has been very tough and discouraging, but things are looking much better. There is HOPE!
