Re: Sue's campaign of misinformation


letsconnect wrote:
> > > >The dentists on Dentaltown brought up automonic function and its
> > > >potential role in the parafunction associated with TMJ disorders.
>
> I can see how the ANS could be involved in causing nighttime bruxism,
> but the effect might be more via glandular involvement (adrenal medulla
> rather than smooth muscle), or via the enteric nervous system (the
> third division of the ANS)?
>
>
> > Q. What causes involuntary bruxing and grinding at night?
>
> > Amatus: No one yet knows the answer to that question. If anyone did,
> > we could treat the disorder.
>
> I was under the impression that involuntary bruxing and grinding at
> night is oftentimes caused by stress. I've been wondering for a while -
> if this is the case, should dentists offer preventative advice in this
> area with regards to relaxation techniques (similar to dispensing
> smoking cessation information)?

"bruxing and grinding at night is oftentimes caused by stress."

Reply. This is my understanding as well. As such, and if this is the
case, the ANS is involved in this syndorme (IMO), even though the
trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial) is sensory/motor.

"should dentists offer preventative advice in this area with regards to
relaxation techniques (similar to dispensing smoking cessation
information)?

Reply. Relaxation methods and meditation have been found to be helpful.
(As per the dentists located on DT , anyway). Your idea makes perfect
sense to me.

Gotta run. Hubby is havin colonoscopy today... yuck.. and so close to
the holidays. He has been putting this off! Now I think he was just
trying use up our flexible spending account money before the end of the
year.

Take care Amber.

:-)

Sue
PS I have an original and unsubstantiated thought. I wonder if the
"chewing reflex" is controlled by mechanorecpetors? ... analogy
thought process ... like the baroreceptors that act in response ot
acute blood pressure changes.

.