Brief Answer:
Occupation, habits, environment, & family history

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your inquiry and am glad to assist you. My first thought would be to have basic blood work to look for deficiencies and indicators of organs not functioning correctly. You indicate that all is normal. Next step is to consider your occupation, habits and living environment. Do you think you have any hazardous exposure? Any bug bites? Exposure to ticks can raise concern about Lymes disease. Also consider your family history and possible autoimmune diseases in your family.
A very basic, but overlooked condition can be dehydration. Keep well hydrated. Muscle pain and a sore mouth can contribute. Do you have a dry mouth? This can lead to harsh conditions for gums and sensitive teeth. Combine this with clenching or grinding, you will experience overall sensitivity. Give your mouth guard a longer chance. Moist heat, soft diet and not stressing the jaw would also be recommended. Your dentist could give you a stronger prescription gor an anti-inflammatory if needed. Make sure you do not have too much acid exposure. Wven citric acid such as large amounts of orange juice.
For your dental care switch to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Rule out any allergic reaction to dental products or foods if you can coordinate this condition with a change that you made. I want you to think about triggers and let me know the result if you stop using a certain product. Keep up good day dental care and proper, balanced diet. You can try anti- inflammatory medication for relief, but still look for triggers.
Thank you for your inquiry. If you have some additional thoughts or results to share with me, I wi gladly answer your questions.

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Brief Answer:
Continue with mouth guard with mild medication

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have some additional thoughts concerning your job and sitting at the computer. Please make sure that you move around often. Even if you don't feel any arthritic changes, your joints and bones change with age and use. Often when I have patients that grind their teeth, it is done at night and when concentrating. You probably have some effects from working on the computer that contribute to your discomfort. Your back, neck and TMJ may all be stressed and contribute. Have you ever been treated by a chiropractor or tried acupuncture? Even your sleeping environment such as your matress may contribute. These are areas you can explore for relief.
TMJ treatment will take time to be effective. What is the design? It may need an adjustment or an alternate design style if you are having an increase in discomfort. Have you had X-rays of the joint? What are the signs exhibited that your dentist recommended a mouth guard? This is not a recognized dental specialty, but you could get a second opinion. Consider visiting an oral surgeon. Uou may consider cone beam 3D imaging to further evaluate your joint.
Start with the mildest anti-inflammatory medication such as an over the counter variety such as Tylenol, Motrin or the anti-histamine Benadryl. Steroids are more powerful and can get a quicker response to reduce inflammation. Discuss this with your dentist if your pain level requires immediate attention.
Lymes disease can cause wide spread discomfort and is often difficult to diagnosis. The associated diagnostic tests are sometimes not reliable. When diagnosed early, an antibiotic can resolve. Your symptoms fall within a possible concern for Lymes as a possible diagnosis. Discuss this further with your physician.
Thank you again. I hope my answers give you a bit more direction. I encourage you to follow through with the mouth guard therapy.

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