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Dentistry/Teeth Clenching

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Question
Good evening Dr Myerson. I have noticed over the past month or so that i have been clenching my teeth during the day and night. This is causing severe headaches almost nightly and my jaw and teeth hurt. I will be visiting my Dentist after christmas but would like to know what ti expect or just your opinion. I have never had any major problems with my teeth but do have wisdom teeth cutting through which can cause abcesses. At the moment it feels like i have too many teeth in my mouth!!! Your advise would be much appreciated.
Stacey

Answer
The best advice I can give you is to have that complete dental check up that you've scheduled.  Perhaps taking care of those wisdom teeth will resolve your problem.  Sometimes wearing a splint type appliance is necessary to deal with the clenching.  Good luck!

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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