Houston TMJ Dentist, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF explains that one type of trauma brought about by impulsive blows to the chin or jaw can force the jaw into the brain and cause concussions. These are often found in sports injuries. This forces the head of the jaw to perforate the thin surface of the fossa that the jaw head (condyle) resides in. There is a thin wall of bone in this area that the condyle goes through and can bruise the temporal lobe of the brain. Additionally, this can also cause debilitative TMJ issues as well. A properly fitted sports mouthpiece can help prevent this type of brain injury or concussion. This is extremely important as the number of concussions are on the rise in profession sports among pros and amateurs. Properly fitting sports guards are not stock guards that you can buy in the store, but rather custom designed guards that are built into the correct position for the jaw to protect from these types of concussions, allow athletes to talk and breath, and to be comfortable so they can wear them through out the game. If you have questions regarding Houston Texas TMJ, please call our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF 713-668-2289.