Chomping - Gritting Teeth, Grinding Teeth

[honey7420]

I always clench my teeth. It is so annoying. I don't even realize I am doing it until I relax my jaw muscles and feel this wave of relief... I have been looking to get on a medication to help with my anxiety and hope that helps with the teeth clenching! I always used to do it when I was a child so I know exactly why I am still doing it.

 

[CraftyCath]

I clench my jaws at night and wake with jaw and tooth ache. It think it is because I have nightmares so often and never find sleep restful. My dentist told me I grind my teeth too but I'm not aware of doing it.

 

[Hashi]

Yes, it has caused a lot of dental problems.

My dentist didn't react to this, I have no idea why. It was irresponsible, doing nothing while damage was being done. When I realised, I self-referred to a periodontist and now I have a mouthguard and three-monthly monitoring by the hygienist there.

I recommend seeing a specialist. Clenching and grinding can damage your gums, teeth, bite and tooth enamel.

 

[dbacs]

This happened to me too. It was so bad, and I ignored it for so long, that I actually broke my two bottom back teeth molars in half !! Crazy. I guess I have a high tolerance for pain.

Anyone use night teeth guards, and do they help? I was thinking of getting some but I'm a pretty light sleeper, figured I wouldn't be able to use them.

 

[KP the nut]

I have just started wearing one and I am suprised at how comfortable it is.

I wear it on my bottom teeth - I am a clencher and a chomper. I do have strange dreams and wake up thinking I am chewing toffee and it is stuck to my teeth. Looking at the indentations in the plastic, it is easy to see why teeth break.

My dentist recommended a basic cheap plastic one to be sure I was OK with it. When I first put it in, I feel a little sick, but that is just me. I hate things near the back of my mouth.

I'd rather wear it than undergo teeth implants again.

 

[dbacs]

Thanks KP, I'll try one. Cheap plastic one, from over the counter?

 

[KP the nut]

Cheap plastic one, from over the counter?

My dentist made a mould. I pay private dental insurance in the UK, so only had to pay £28 for the lab work.

I think I left it a little late as last night my upper back right molar snapped in 2. It has been patched up, but I am scared as to the damage I am doing.

 

[NIKI]

My dentist made me a really nice mouth guard. (It better be for $400!! :eek:) It is doing a great job protecting my teeth. Also, it is helping with my jaw. I used to wake up with a sore jaw most mornings. I haven't had much pain in my jaw since wearing the guard. I'm really glad I got it.

 

[BloomInWinter]

The medical term is Bruxism...a lifelong struggle for me. An older thread about this [DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/bruxism-anyone.14495/#post-189780[/DLMURL]

 

[NIKI]

Bruxism...

Yup, that's what the dentist said it was. I had never even heard that word before until you told me the name of what was going on. Thanks, Bloom! :)

 

[BloomInWinter]

(((((Niki)))))

 

[dbacs]

Looks like i'm going to the dentist to get one then. I could afford $30. Hope its not $400.

Didn't realize bruxism could cause headaches. I get them every morning and throughout the day.

I notice it gets worse with caffeine, both sleeping and daytime.