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For many people the way their teeth fit together causes stress on the
jaw muscles and joints. Several people grind or clench their teeth. Regardless
of the reason, a poor bite and frequent grinding and/or clenching can
cause serious damage and pain to teeth, jawbone and the muscles and joints
controlling the jaw. Many people suffer from headaches, head and neck
muscle pain as well as ear pain, including popping and clicking noises
near the ear when they open or close the mouth. Often it is due to a
poor bite, clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Whether the problem is due to a poor bite or frequent grinding or clenching,
the jaw muscles never get a chance to rest. They are overworked, fatigued
and go into spasm. Some people can wear their teeth right down to the
gum line, some will experience loose teeth, and some will have pain in
or near the ear and possible radiating over the head and neck. The muscles
need a chance to rest.
For drug-free pain relief, we use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve
Stimulation). The battery-powered device
sends low intensity electrical signals (a
tingly sensation) to electrodes placed on
or near the pain site, blocking the pain
signals. Patients can rent a TENS unit before
buying one, to see if it is effective against
their pain. It is FDA approved and often
reimbursed by most insurance providers.
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