235 North Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
Associates for Family Dentistry
101 S Greenleaf Ave
Gurnee, IL, 60031
Chung, Duc D.D.S.
101 S Greenleaf St # E
Gurnee, IL, 60031-3369
Smiles Of Gurnee
6695 Grand Ave # E
Gurnee, IL, 60031-5268
Dr. Gary Kaplan D.D.S.
34491 N Old Walnut Cir
Gurnee, IL, 60031-4270
(847) 548-3800
Sensitivity to heat and cold. Loosened teeth, fractures, and a debilitating headache. All this can occur while you sleep - from grinding your teeth. Dentistry calls it bruxism.
Talk about shell shock. Dentists see evidence of life in the fast lane everyday. As many as 90 percent of us grind our teeth each night, on the average of five episodes per evening. The bite force is so powerful - over 200 pounds per square inch - and the noise so fearful, you cannot physically duplicate this phenomenon when you're wide awake. While you're sleeping, a lot of damage is being done that could be causing TMJ symptoms.
Bruxing seems to be associated with the REM stage of sleep, that never-never land where dreaming and rapid eye movement occur. There is some evidence that a bite out of alignment contributes to bruxing, but most agree stress is the problem. Or, even more alarming, the anticipation of stress.
Most people learn about a bruxing habit from the spouse who has to put up with it every night. More clues; waking up in the morning with jaw pain, jaw popping, jaw clicking, migraine or muscle fatigue and loose teeth.
Physical therapy, muscle relaxants and, sometimes, a custom dental appliance can help. But learning how to handle the stress in your life could salvage more than your teeth and help eliminate TMJ syndrome.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
There are a range of TMJ treatment available for people suffering from jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder. TMJ dentists recommend starting with the simplest treatment options first.
TMJ pain can often be relieved with some simple TMJ exercises to stretch and loosen the jaw muscles. Other things that can help include anti-inflammatory medicines (like Tylenol or Advil), moist heat packs, avoiding hard or chewy foods, or physical therapy.
Treatment for TMJ disorders may include a TMJ mouth guard (also known as a night guard or bite plate) or a TMJ splint. These dental appliances fit into your mouth like an orthodontic retainer or athletic mouth guard, and they hold your teeth apart while you sleep to relieve stress and tension.
A bad bite can cause TMJ pain. If you have crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic braces to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. Worn-down teeth or dental work may require some reconstructive dentistry.
TMJ surgery is the jaw treatment of last resort. Your TMJ dentist or TMJ physician can refer you to a TMJ specialist, like an oral surgeon experienced in jaw surgery. There are different TMJ surgeries available; a TMJ surgeon can help you decide if one might be right for you. However, it's essential that you try less invasive, reversible treatments for TMJ first!
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
