Myofascial Pain Syndrome

If you’ve ever had an issue inside your mouth, you’re probably aware of the varying degrees of pain that come with it. Sometimes it can feel like your whole head is exploding just from a toothache and tenderness. Bayberry Dental Care is committed to helping you correct whatever problem is going on inside your mouth and help you manage any pain associated with it. This includes Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist also takes pride in educating patients about how to prevent future oral problems. 

MPS commonly occurs in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The pain is caused by tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. MPS is usually triggered by bruxism, a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Nightguards are a great way to prevent bruxism and ultimately the jaw soreness that is felt in the morning. MPS is not limited to just the jaw muscles, it can occur anywhere in the body including the back and neck muscles. 

Other treatments/preventions of MPS include:

- Splint guard, mouthguard, or nightguard

- Mild analgesics

- Physical therapy modalities

- Anxiolytic before bed

Are you experiencing Myofascial Pain Syndrome? We will pinpoint the problem and get you started on a treatment plan! Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Sensitivity

We want patients at Bayberry Dental Care to know how to prevent every threat to their oral health. Acid reflux may not be something people primarily associate with toothaches, but it’s actually one of the more common causes of sensitivity.

The hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach is extremely corrosive. A sphincter usually keeps it where it belongs, but when it escapes up the esophagus, a patient is said to suffer from acid reflux or “heartburn,” and when it escapes twice or more in a week, the patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hydrochloric acid wearing away tooth enamel isn’t just painful; it also damages the teeth’s appearance and puts them at risk for infection. As enamel thins, the greyish-yellowish inner layer of the tooth becomes more visible, and if that decays too, bacteria could enter the tooth’s pulp.

There is no way to regrow enamel, but Dr. Falsey is experienced in several kinds of tooth restorations, including white fillings and artificial crowns following root canals. Patients can reduce their risk of acid reflux by avoiding acidic foods such as citrus juice and tomatoes, as well as fried food, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.