NTTGPR: Jaw "Clenching"

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

Ok, so...I've been "clenching" a lot lately, as in, clenching my jaw/teeth together really tight...I'm doing it constantly without even realizing it and it's even worse when I sleep...This isn't normal for me. I've never "clenched" before but for the last 2ish weeks it's been really bad...I'm having daily headaches from it, it's interfering with my sleep and my jaw, teeth and gums are REALLY starting to hurt...

Anybody have any experience with this? Any idea how I can stop or what I can do it help it? Again, I've never had this problem before and I'm doing it without realizing it.

TIA Ladies!

*Mrs*Rohrbaugh* · February 2013

Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.

spacepotatoes · February 2013

I used to wake up and realize that I was clenching my jaw. I still do it occasionally when stressed. My dentist suggested cutting back on caffeine and refined sugars to help reduce tension. I cut back anyway when we started TTC and I do think it has helped.

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

MrsRohrbaugh:
Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.

I've been doing it when I'm awake but it's worse when I'm asleep. I'm not grinding my teeth, yet, just clenching.
It came out of no where and it's bad. Thanks for the suggestion!

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

spacepotatoes:
I used to wake up and realize that I was clenching my jaw. I still do it occasionally when stressed. My dentist suggested cutting back on caffeine and refined sugars to help reduce tension. I cut back anyway when we started TTC and I do think it has helped.

I drink no caffeine at all except the occasional glass of tea when we go out to dinner. But stress can be a factor?

Just trying to figure out where this came from...

Emily 2714 · February 2013

*Mrs*Rohrbaugh*:
Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.

this. I do it when I'm sleeping. I've heard muscle relaxers work but I've never had the nerve to ask a Dr. for a prescription. When I was doing yoga all time it helped to. It could also be your pillow or the position you sleep in (if it happens when you sleep).

krdesi · February 2013

I am actually going through the same thing right now...I don't know how to stop it! I do it while I am awake and asleep...I wake up with a headache and a sore jaw every morning and my teeth are starting to ache from it too.

CrayChristi · February 2013

Maybe you should try clenching your "bearded clam" before you sleep. Sex can help relax you, unless you have to sleep in the wet spot. Mouth guards work, too.

*Mrs*Rohrbaugh* · February 2013

CMSullivan326:
spacepotatoes:
I used to wake up and realize that I was clenching my jaw. I still do it occasionally when stressed. My dentist suggested cutting back on caffeine and refined sugars to help reduce tension. I cut back anyway when we started TTC and I do think it has helped.
I drink no caffeine at all except the occasional glass of tea when we go out to dinner. But stress can be a factor? Just trying to figure out where this came from...

Stress is definitely a factor! When I was at my last job I was crazy stressed out and that's when it was at it's worst. It actually got so bad that my teeth were really sensitive to anything hot or cold. I tried using Sensodyne, but that did nothing. Then I got laid off and it all stopped. LOL

spacepotatoes · February 2013

CMSullivan326:
spacepotatoes:
I used to wake up and realize that I was clenching my jaw. I still do it occasionally when stressed. My dentist suggested cutting back on caffeine and refined sugars to help reduce tension. I cut back anyway when we started TTC and I do think it has helped.
I drink no caffeine at all except the occasional glass of tea when we go out to dinner. But stress can be a factor? Just trying to figure out where this came from...

It could be stress or anxiety, if something has recently come up that is worrying you. My dentist's theory was that it's the tension from being stressed. Muscle relaxers were on her list of options, too, but I haven't needed them personally.

LeggyJeggy · February 2013

I use a NTI night guard that I got from my dentist. When I'm stressed more than usual it gets worse. I never knew I was doing it until my dentist noticed the wear on my teeth. A nice hot bath with Epsom salts helps me de-stress before bed.

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

Thanks a LOT for the info ladies!

tinamorgan · February 2013

When I am stressed out I do this. Both awake and at sleep, and the headaches from it can be outrageously painful. The mouth guard helps at night, but during the day I usually chew gum, or suck on a mint. I hope this helps!

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

HatchetFace:
I have done this my whole life, I grind my teeth and clench my jaw so tight asleep and awake that I have bitten off pieces of my tongue and I frequently get lockjaw, it will get stuck in an open position. I can't chew on the right side of my mouth. I have headaches, stiff neck muscles, gum bleeding, and my jaw pops and clicks really loudly while I eat. I got diagnosed with TMJ it's actually TMD, not sure why it's always called TMJ as a teenager. I definitely nbsp;recommend getting a night dental guard. I got one at CVS for 30. Don't wait though, you don't want to cause more damage.nbsp;

Yeah...My headaches are insane, my neck muscles are definitely bothering me, my gums have started bleeding my jaw isn't popping or clicking but it's stiff when I talk or eat. Oh, and chewing on my right side is getting harder everyday...

I'll be looking into OTC mouth guards and if it continues, I'll speak with my dentist. Thank you!

catmagick · February 2013

*Mrs*Rohrbaugh*:
Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.

I second this. I had to sleep with one of those for years. Are you on any medication? The anti-depressants I used to take had nighttime teeth grinding/clenching as a side effect. Sometimes it would be so bad that they would squeak! UGH!!!! So gross.......Also you can get a night guard from the dentist that is specially molded to your teeth. It might be expensive, but it's also a little less instrusive than the hockey guard. I never did it, but my mom did.

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

catmagick:
*Mrs*Rohrbaugh*:
Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.
 
I second this.  I had to sleep with one of those for years.  Are you on any medication?  The anti-depressants I used to take had nighttime teeth grinding/clenching as a side effect.  Sometimes it would be so bad that they would squeak!  UGH!!!!  So gross.......Also you can get a night guard from the dentist that is specially molded to your teeth.  It might be expensive, but it's also a little less instrusive than the hockey guard.  I never did it, but my mom did. 

Nope. Not on any medications. Thanks for the information!

little_bren · February 2013

I think it can have something to do with stress. I used to get headaches from clenching my teeth. You can buy a bite guard for like $20 at Wal-Mart or anywhere like that.

CarolinaGirl83 · February 2013

HatchetFace:
I have done this my whole life, I grind my teeth and clench my jaw so tight (asleep and awake) that I have bitten off pieces of my tongue and I frequently get lock-jaw, it will get stuck in an open position. I can't chew on the right side of my mouth. I have headaches, stiff neck muscles, gum bleeding, and my jaw pops and clicks really loudly while I eat. I got diagnosed with TMJ (it's actually TMD, not sure why it's always called TMJ) as a teenager. I definitely recommend getting a night dental guard. I got one at CVS for $30. Don't wait though, you don't want to cause more damage.

TMJ is the actual joint (Temporomandibular Joint). TMD is the disorder (Temporomandibular Disorder).

I would suggest An OTC mouthguard or have your dentist make a custom mouthguard for you. Sometimes your dentist will prescribe Flexeril as a muscle relaxer. That's what our office does anyway!

wearebirds · February 2013

MrsRohrbaugh:
Do you do it only when you're awake or do you also do it when you sleep? I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my teeth when I sleep. An easy fix for nighttime clenching is to buy a sports mouth guard, put it in boiling water and mold it to your teeth.

I agree with this! I had a guard made by my dentist and it worked wonders!

bumpuser1282882 · February 2013

CarolinaGirl83:
HatchetFace:
I have done this my whole life, I grind my teeth and clench my jaw so tight (asleep and awake) that I have bitten off pieces of my tongue and I frequently get lock-jaw, it will get stuck in an open position. I can't chew on the right side of my mouth. I have headaches, stiff neck muscles, gum bleeding, and my jaw pops and clicks really loudly while I eat. I got diagnosed with TMJ (it's actually TMD, not sure why it's always called TMJ) as a teenager. I definitely recommend getting a night dental guard. I got one at CVS for $30. Don't wait though, you don't want to cause more damage.
TMJ is the actual joint (Temporomandibular Joint). TMD is the disorder (Temporomandibular Disorder).
I would suggest An OTC mouthguard or have your dentist make a custom mouthguard for you. Sometimes your dentist will prescribe Flexeril as a muscle relaxer. That's what our office does anyway!

Huh. The more you know...I've been calling it TMJ because that's what I thought it was called. Either way, it sucks. OP I find that regular massage helps relieve the tension and stress on my jaw. Also oddly it seemed to get better once I had some teeth pulled and wore braces for a few years.

aessary03 · February 2013

Are you overly stressed? I go through periods where I'm super stressed and that's when I clench my jaw and my jaw starts hurting and I get horrible headaches. It sucks. I'm not advocating this, but I have a terrible time sleeping, especially when I'm stressed like this, so I take a couple benadryls. It relaxes me enough that I'm not clenching my jaw at night.

CMSullivan326 · February 2013

aessary03:
Are you overly stressed? I go through periods where I'm super stressed and that's when I clench my jaw and my jaw starts hurting and I get horrible headaches. It sucks. I'm not advocating this, but I have a terrible time sleeping, especially when I'm stressed like this, so I take a couple benadryls. It relaxes me enough that I'm not clenching my jaw at night.

Yes. I am VERY stressed right now. I have a LOT going on in my life and after reading all the responses I'm pretty positive that's what's causing this...

I've also had a LOT of people suggest muscle relaxers and other things but I'm a light weight when it comes to anything like that. One benedryl will knock me out cold for 10 hours. It's ridiculous. So, with that being said, I'm not too comfortable taking any kind of muscle relaxers, pain killers or sleep aids unless I have no other option.

I'm definitely going to look into the OTC mouth guards and consult my Dentist if it doesn't help or get better.

karmajupiter · February 2013

I'm so glad you posted this. For the past few weeks i have been clenching my teeth while awake and sleeping too. My jaw is so sore right now as are my teeth, head and neck. I'm chalking the clenching up to TTC and work stress as well and I'm definitely going to pick up one of those mouth guards tomorrow. Good luck to you.

daisyrose85 · February 2013

I am a "clencher" and have had TMD since my early teens. After having tried both, while a bit pricey, I feel that the mouth guard a dentist can make for you is a lot better than a drugstore mouth guard. I wear mine every night - not very sexy, but it helps me SO much.

Escudero7106 · February 2013

I've been a clencher and grinder for years. I have cracked a lot of teeth (in the back where the most pressure is applied) and I'm pretty sure I could give a pit bull a run for their money if they measured our jaw strength.

Please please please ask your dentist about a NTI device. It's soooooooooo much better than any mouth guard you can buy at a store. It fits over the top front 2 teeth and you can close your mouth (unlike most mouth guards). You will sound like Sylvester the cat (fun lisp), but it's so helpful.

Insurance usually covers it, but I promise you will find relief. I have worn one at night for years and without it, I'm sure I would barely have any real teeth left and the migraines and jaw pain would be ten times worse. I swear by this device!! And btw, my husband sleeps soundly now that he doesn't hear me grinding and clenching my teeth.

To see what it looks like, just google "NTI Device".

Best of luck!

herecomesthesun · February 2013

Slapptastic:
LeggyJeggy:
I use a NTI night guard that I got from my dentist. When I'm stressed more than usual it gets worse. I never knew I was doing it until my dentist noticed the wear on my teeth. A nice hot bath with Epsom salts helps me de-stress before bed.
This. When I clenched a lot, I got an NTI night guard from my dentist.

I also have an NTI from my dentist. Works great but is not so sexxxy...

Want a personalized experience?

NTTGPR: Jaw "Clenching"

Re: NTTGPR: Jaw &quot;Clenching&quot;

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

NTTGPR: Jaw &quot;Clenching&quot;

Re: NTTGPR: Jaw &amp;quot;Clenching&amp;quot;

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

NTTGPR: Jaw "Clenching"

Re: NTTGPR: Jaw "Clenching"