I clench and grind my teeth at night. This has been going on for years, and as a result I have TMJ. My dentist gave me a device to wear that prevents me from damaging my teeth, but my muscles still clench, so I awake with jaw pain and headaches. I am 48. My 14-year-old daughter appears to be doing the same thing, and she suffers from "sensitive teeth" as a result. Any advice for us?

A.

Dental splints can be helpful to prevent damage to the teeth, but devices can also assist with relaxing the jaw muscles and keeping the TMJ joints in good alignment. Look for a dental specialist who works specifically with TMJ problems. TMJ problems can also be helped by manipulative therapies, an osteopathic physician who specializes in manipulation or a chiropractic physician who specializes in cranial manipulation would be best.

The muscle tension and/or spasm may be both a cause and effect of your teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) and your TMJ disorder. It may be helpful to utilize some things to help with relieving the muscle clenching. Conventional medical therapies would include prescription sedatives and tranquilizers. Natural alternatives are herbs like kava or valerian, along with calcium and magnesium to relieve muscle tension and spasm. Biofeedback or relaxation therapy helps to teach your muscles how to relax. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is an excellent tool for relaxing muscles- your doctor can prescribe a unit for home use.

If you have arthritic changes in the TMJ, glucosamine sulfate can help with repair of damaged cartilage. To help relieve joint inflammation, use herbs like ginger, curcumin and boswellia and supplement essential fatty acids.

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