Neurological symptoms & continual gum infections

[daliwanu]

Hi!  About a year & a half ago I had some worrying symptoms which I believe are related to the state of my teeth/jaw but were largely ignored by my doctor.  One evening, quite suddenly, the right side of my face went numb and my arms & legs started shaking.  I felt a slight discomfort in my right ear which felt clogged up & I developed tinnitus.  I saw my doctor the next morning   He didn't comment on the numbness or shaking but said I had a middle ear infection & gave me antibiotics.  The shaking & numbness subsided but I developed panic attacks which lasted over a month & the tinnitus is still with me, though nowhere near as bad as it was initially.  The blocked feeling  & soreness lasted a couple weeks.  I had an open MRI scan done which showed nothing wrong.  I believe these problems have stemmed from my mouth.  I have 3 crowns and several large amalgam fillings & noticed since the problems that I've been clenching & probably grinding my teeth. I'm also suffering from continual infections in my gums.  Do you think that my fillings & teeth grinding/clenching could be the source of the problems in my ear & infections in my gums?  Thanks for your time.

[daliwanu]

Hi!

Thanks for the reassuring advice : >  The simplist answers really are the best.  I CAN DO IT.  I really appreciate your taking the time to answer.  It's helped a lot!

Kathryn

[Gellia]

Hi again,
You being aware of your clenching is the best way to stop.  It can require a great deal of concentration to get yourself to stop but it can be done.

You have to catch yourself clenching and willfully get your mouth to relax.  Do it often enough and the clenching will gradually subside but it can be a very difficult habit to break esp. if it's nighttime clenching when you don't know it.

Persevere!  And, GOOD LUCK.  You can do it.

Best to you,
Gellia

[daliwanu]

Your comments were really helpful, and much appreciated  :  >

I did get a mouth guard from the dentist eventually.  At least I feel better knowing that no further damage is being done to my teeth.  I did wonder whether the fact that I have a lot of mercury fillings contributed to the symptoms I had & still have.

What can the dentist to about the clenching?  I'm certain I'm doing it as I catch myself when I'm awake sometimes.  I just put it down to stress.  I've no idea how long I've been doing it though.

Cheers,

Kathryn

[Gellia]

Hi,
Clenching and grinding your teeth can give you all the facial symptoms you describe.  Add a middle ear infection and you can have a real problem as you seem to have found out.

You went to a medical doctor for the infection, but you need a dentist to help with the clenching and grinding of your teeth.  Your dentist can fit you for a mouth guard to help.  Once the clenching and grinding can be brought under control alot of your symptoms should disappear.  Night time clenching is the hardest to diagnose because unless you have a partner that can attest to it, it's hard to know by oneself.

It appears you have addressed the middle ear infection, now you need to get to a dentist and address the clenching.  It can cause alot of pain.

GOOD LUCK and do let us know how you make out.

Best to you,
Gellia