Dr. Scott Solomons

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TOOTH SENSITIVITY, GUM RECESSION, GRINDING AND TMJ PROBLEMS

I get a ton of patients who have sensitive teeth, especially along the gum line. Other symptoms that go along with this are: Wear and chipping, Clicking of the jaw, Muscle aches of the jaws and temple, and headaches. These problems are all related.  They are due to stress, lack of sleep, and modern diets.

TMJ Problems and How to Solve Them

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that attaches your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of your skull in front of each ear. This joint allows your jaw to move up and down and side to side so you can open and close your mouth. TMJ pain can be moderate or severe and can be caused by:

Grinding or clenching teeth

·      Stress which can cause a person to tighten facial muscles

·      Chewing gum

·      Presence of arthritis in the joint

·      Dislocation of the cushion or disc between the ball and socket

TMJ Symptoms

So how do you know if you have a TMJ problem? You should always seek the advice of your dentist, but here are some typical signs:

·      Pain or tenderness in the face and jaw joint, especially when             opening and closing your mouth.

·      Difficulty opening your mouth very wide

·      Difficulty chewing

·      Sensation that teeth are not lining up properly

·      Clicking, popping or grinding sensation in the joint when eating,       talking or opening your mouth

·      Jaw gets locked in the open or close position

·      Ear ringing or pain (like ear ache)

·       Facial swelling

·      Neck and shoulder pain

Recommendations to relieve TMJ symptoms

Short Term Relief

Medications

  •  Over the counter NSAIDS (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs) 

  •  Doctor prescribed medications such as Medrol (to relive inflammation) or Diazepam (to relieve muscle spasms)

No gum

Soft diet

Apply moist heat to tender muscles

Massage and gently exercise tender muscles - Fist under chin exercise is best  - Place palm or fist under chin and try to open against pressure for 10 seconds on and off throughout the day. Ask Dr Jo does a good job of demonstrating the appropriate exercises:

Long Term Relief

Find ways to control and reduce stress in your life

Stress relief and restorative activities

  •  8 Hours of sleep per night

  •  Avoid being locked in one position for extended periods of time

  • low levels of activity (like walking 30 minutes) throughout the day

Three Very Effective Products Available In My Online Products

Natural Calm

A Relaxing Nutrient Drink & Magnesium Supplement for Extra Sleep Support. Restores healthy magnesium levels to relax muscles, lower blood pressure, and so much more. Take 1 teaspoon dissolved in water before bed for best results.

CBD Pain Relief Cream

CBD CLINIC Level 5 ointment delivers two, highest potency pain killers to the most severe of pain areas. For TMJ (and All Joint Pain), Nerve Pain, and Muscle Pain. Helps to speed recovery for fatigued and painful joints and muscles. Apply Directly To The TMJ Area.

Kavinace GABA Precursor

Kavinace 2-4 capsules before bed.

Kavinace by NeuroScience combines powerfully calming ingredients that may be effective at addressing the symptoms that come from stress‚ irritability‚ anxiousness‚ and trouble sleeping. This formula includes 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid‚ a GABA derivative. Take 2-4 capsules before bed for best results.