If you are suffering from tinnitus then it’s likely you’ve wondered what the root cause of this condition is. Can it be caused by TMJ? Learn more below.
If you would like to schedule a TMJ consultation in Plano, TX please call (972) 964-3774
Tinnitus is a physical condition, that causes people to feel a constant ringing in the ears, sometimes accompanied by pain, even when there is no external physical noise causing it. Tinnitus is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system; it is a symptom, not a disease in itself.
If you are one of the many people suffering from tinnitus then it’s likely you’ve wondered what the root cause of this condition is.
Tinnitus can be caused by just about anything that can go wrong with your ears, from wax buildup against the eardrum to head injuries and exposure to excessive noise.
Tinnitus is known to be a common side-effect for those who suffer from TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction).
Tinnitus is often one of the common symptoms of TMJ. These two symptoms are commonly experienced by the same patients. The eardrum is located very close to the temporomandibular joint, which is the main joint at issue in cases of TMD. When the temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed, it can also affect the eardrum. The inflammation of the joint can affect the stabilization can cause the pain and noise associated with Tinnitus.
Very often by treating the physical ailment that is causing TMJ, the tinnitus will subside.
If a TMJ disorder is suspected, an appointment with a dentist or TMJ specialist is recommended.
Tinnitus and TMJ Treatment
A variety of TMJ treatment options are available to treat TMJ disorder. If your tinnitus is related to your TMJ problem, the tinnitus may improve as the TMJ problems get resolved. Most treatments for TMJ are non-surgical.hea
Some options include medications, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and mouth guards. Another effective option is therapeutic Botox injections. Some people have success with alternative medicine treatments. The best way to find out what options may work for you is to schedule an appointment with a dentist who specializes in TMJ treatments.
Seeking TMJ treatment in Plano, Texas area?
Contact us today to set up your free TMJ consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience and can test and diagnose your TMJ Disorder. He will be able to discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.
David Wilhite is a Plano Texas Dentist who has helped hundreds of patients with TMJ treatment and relief. He has over 30 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry.
Do you believe that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder? Continue reading to learn about the symptoms of TMJ disorder, what causes it and how you can treat it.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ symptoms can cause you pain and discomfort, making your everyday life more difficult because of constant or recurring pain. Sometimes the symptoms are mistaken for other issues. If you believe you are suffering from TMJ Disorder, you should schedule an examination with your dentist or doctor.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder is a recurring localized pain disorder that can headaches and pain in your jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
What causes TMJ Disorders?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the movable joint that interacts with other parts of your jaw. Its movement should be normal and smooth, but if the movement becomes hindered, it can cause pain and TMJ disorder.
TMJ Causes
The TMJ joint moves out of its normal alignment
The TMJ joint has eroded
TMJ joint is affected by arthritis
TMJ joint suffers a serious blow or impact
Injuries to teeth
Misaligned teeth
Injuries to jaw
Grinding or clenching of teeth
Connective tissue diseases
Gum chewing
Stress
What are Treatments for TMJ?
Depending on the cause, in some cases, the symptoms of TMJ disorders may go away without treatment. When symptoms persist and cause long term pain, there are a variety of treatment options your dentist or doctor can recommend.
David Wilhite is a Plano Texas Dentist who has helped hundreds of patients with TMJ treatment and relief. He has over 30 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry.
For people who have never experienced sedation dentistry, a common and logical question you hear: Is sedation dentistry safe?
Our short answer is Yes of course!
We wouldn’t offer it to our patients if we felt that it was unsafe or unhealthy in any way. Normal healthy adults have very little to fear from sedation.
If you have any questions about sedation, please feel free to call us at (972) 964-3774 or email us your questions.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses specialized medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. These can include oral sedation with pills or and gas sedation.
It is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.
Sedation dentistry helps people who are very anxious and fearful about visiting the dentist get the help they need and ensure their dental and overall health.
Who Does Sedation Dentistry Help?
People with extreme anxiety or fear of the dentist
People with a low threshold for pain
People with very sensitive teeth
People with a severe gag reflex
People dealing with PTSD
People who need a large amount of dental work
Sedation Dentistry Options
We offer you several sedation dentistry options depending on your specific needs.
For mild anxiety, we offer a calm and relaxing environment. Our staff will talk to you through your treatment and explain each step of the process in depth.
For moderate anxiety, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is an option that may be right for you. It helps relax your body during your dental treatment and will wear of quickly with few after affects.
If you cannot sleep the night before your visit, Dr. Wilhite will prescribe something to take at bedtime and then again one hour before your appointment.
For severe anxiety, medication is administered intravenously (through an I.V.) before your treatment.
Any combination of options which will help you can be personalized for your treatment.
Contact us today to set up your consultation.
Contact us to discuss your goals and options for sedation dentistry.
Does your idea of visiting the dentist remind you of a scene from “The Little Shop of Horrors?” If sitting in the dentist’s chair makes you nervous, there’s actually a type of dentistry perfect for you. Sedation dentistry can help relieve your anxiety during the sometimes stressful experience of having a dental procedure.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to allow patients to relax during dental procedures. Sometimes it is referred to as “sleep dentistry.” However, patients are usually awake during sedation dentistry, though some nap.
Sedation Dentistry Includes:
Minimal sedation: this allows you to be awake but relaxed.
Moderate sedation or conscious sedation: you’ll be awake for this as well, but you may not remember much about your experience.
Deep sedation: you are on the edge of consciousness, and may nap, but can be woken up.
General anesthesia: this means you are completely unconscious.
Types of Sedation Used in Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, in inhaled through an oxygen mask. The gas helps you relax, but it wears off quickly. If this is the only sedative used during your procedure, you’ll be allowed to drive yourself home.
Oral sedation: Oral sedation is a type of anti-anxiety pill taken by mouth. Typically it is taken an hour prior to a dental procedure. The pill will make you drowsy but still conscious. Some people, who take oral sedatives before their dental procedure, are drowsy enough to reach a sleepy state and nap through their appointment.
IV sedation: Through this type of sedation, you receive sedative intravenously, which allows you to relax immediately.
General anesthesia: You will receive medications that make you almost completely unconscious or deeply asleep. General anesthesia will need to wear off before you can be awakened.
Dr. Wilhite’s Sedation Dentistry
At Dr. Wilhite’s office we use nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help our patients relax through their dental appointments. Although Dr. Wilhite does not use IV sedation, we bring in a specialist to administer the sedation if a patient feels they must have an IV to get through their procedure. Read more about our sedation dentistry here.
A 2016 study shows that individuals who breathe through their mouth while they sleep experience higher acidity levels than those who do not.
We have known that breathing out of your mouth dries it out and decreases the amount of saliva present. Saliva is important to regulate your mouth bacteria and neutralize acids. The chance of tooth decay is increased when your mouth has too little saliva.
This study measured ten healthy volunteers who slept with a nose clip to force them to breathe through their mouths. They slept with a device that measured the pH and temperature of their mouth. The volunteers wore this device to sleep for two sets of 48 hours. In addition, they wore the nose clip on two nights and without it for two nights to prevent any natural bias from affecting the study.
Mouth Breathing & Teeth: The Results
PH measures acidity, with pH 7 being neutral, under 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic. An acidity level of pH 5.5 is the threshold in which tooth enamel begins to break down.
The results showed that a daytime mouth pH was 7.3 and during sleep it was 7.0. The mean pH during sleep with mouth breathing was 6.6. At some points during the night, mouth-breathing individuals had mouth pH levels of 3.6, which is far below the level in which tooth enamel breaks down.
The significance of the results shows that breathing through your mouth is detrimental to your overall oral health, but specifically tooth enamel through acid breakdown.
When a child’s first tooth pops in, you may be wondering how to care for baby teeth. Though they are not permanent teeth, they help your child learn to speak properly and preserve the place where adult teeth will eventually grow in. This is why it is important to take good care of them and prevent rotting.
Brushing
When baby’s first teeth pop in, you’ll want to use a toothbrush. Find one with a small head, very soft bristles, and a large handle. Some manufacturers make toothbrushes specifically for babies. Simply use water to lightly brush off plaque and keep teeth clean. As more teeth grow in, near the age of 2, you may begin to use a very tiny amount of amount of non-fluoride toothpaste – the size of a pea. At age 3, or whenever your child will not swallow toothpaste, you may begin to use fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid Cavities
Babies’ teeth are softer than adult teeth and can discolor and rot easily. To avoid cavities, minimize juice intake and do not allow baby to go to bed with a bottle of milk (or juice). Babies often use the bottles for comfort and fall asleep with them in their mouths, leading to milk sitting on the teeth all night. This is a surefire way to develop cavities on the front teeth.
Visit the Dentist
The American Dental Association recommends that your child has their first dental exam around age 1, but most pediatricians agree that you may wait until the child is 3, as long as you take care of baby’s teeth at home.
Maintaining a healthy smile for your child can help allow their adult teeth emerge healthily. Be sure to implement these tips when caring for baby teeth to help your child’s smile stay bright and beautiful.
Contact us today to set up your free TMJ consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience and can test and diagnose your TMJ Disorder. He will be able to discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.
TMJ Causes
TMJ Treatments
For people who have never experienced 