Clenching Jaw

[shimmerz]

I have had an abscessed tooth for the past couple of weeks. Packing it with Bentonite clay has worked really well. Like to the point that I can now see which tooth is the problem. There is a painted black line at the top of it. *heavy sigh*

I noticed this morning that I was clenching my jaw and could feel that that very tooth was the point where my jaw is putting pressure. I am just wondering if anyone else notices that they clench/or grind their teeth and if they have any tricks for alleviating the pressure or stopping themselves from doing so?

 

[Changing4Best]

Yes, I do this too, in fact, I wrote a question about it in DISCUSSION, How To Stop Bad Habits is the title. I got two replies so far.

 

[Changing4Best]

I bought a mouth guard, (at the drug store). It is made of a tough rubbery material and eases the pressure considerably. I am wearing it now. It was expensive, but worth the $27.

 

[shimmerz]

I bought a mouth guard,

I looked at those yesterday when I was in the drug store. Unfortunately I have oral issues relating to trauma and I know I won't be able to put anything in my mouth.

 

[shimmerz]

Jeez, I so apologize. I didn't even see your posting @SheilaKathy. I didn't mean to post the same thing.... I wonder if removing my post would be best. It deals with the exact same subject. That's what I get for being away for a full day. :oops:

 

[Changing4Best]

So sorry to hear that. I find the guard comforting, but I guess that would be a personal preference. I see your point.

 

[Changing4Best]

It is OK. They will probably join them together when they catch up with us.

 

[Chava]

Yes. I've wrecked some of my teeth. My dentist gave me a mouth guard for sleeping, but I was able to tolerate that for about four seconds. Beyond that I don't know what would help...just anything that helps relieve general tension, though hard to know what happens when you're sleeping. I've locked my jaw less in recent years and not sure if it's because of my muscle relaxants or therapy, but probably some combination of both.

 

[Changing4Best]

Hmmm... that makes me think, that it might be a good idea for us to track our thoughts when we catch ourselves clenching or gnashing. I maybe will keep a journal for that. Then I might have an idea as to some of the stressful things that are causing this. I still clench, but the guard does help ease that pressure.

 

[Chava]

Oh...gum is sometimes helpful during the day (but my clenching, grinding, locking is mostly a night thing)

 

[PlainJane]

I stopped chewing gum, because I noticed I clench more at night after a day of chewing.

I can't tolerate a guard either :(

 

[Changing4Best]

I think gum also has a bad habit of pulling dental fillings loose. I don't chew it for that reason, as I have enough trouble paying dental bills as it is.

I only use the mouth guard if I find myself gnashing or clenching. Also only when I am home alone.