Jaw/teeth grinding/anxiety issues

[anxietrist]

I'm pretty sure I grind my teeth in my sleep and when I wake up my jaw is sort of stiff and clicky. I also get the urge to chew/clench during the day and get clicky jaw and it sometimes locks. I'm on sertraline for depression/anxiety in case that's relevant but I've had this for longer than the meds. I just wanted to know if anyone else has this and who can help? Dentist? GP? Thanks 😊

[Cecily75]

I have a mouth guard, from the dentist that protects my teeth because I grind them during my sleep. It hasn't stopped me from grinding but it does protect my teeth.

[Youcunnyfunt]

You should speak to your dentist, I got a referral to a surgeon to check the damage and jaw function. There are some surgical solutions but they may also offer botox. They will definitely tell you to use a night guard for at least 6 months before attempting any surgery.
My night guard has helped loads. You get it via the dentist.

[Isolatedizzy]

I have a mouth guard from the dentist too! Not before I'd ground my teeth until they are all exactly the same length though! 🙄

[Jerble]

Yes I have this with my jaw - clenching not grinding, but clicking and locking too. Have tried different night guards but found they made me clench more and jaw even stiffer in mornings.

Was referred to hospital to assess the clicking and locking but they basically told me there was nothing I could do and that it was a waste of time - they literally said they couldn’t believe I had been referred.

It is worse when I am anxious or stressed so am trying to manage that more, and then the clenching does lessen.

[anxietrist]

Yeah it could be clenching rather than grinding. I just know I wake up with such a stiff jaw & clicking is so much worse lately too. I'm literally sat here now opening and closing my mouth and it clicks every time. Horrible. Will start with a dentist visit then. Thanks 😊

[Gulsink]

I got a mouth guard from Amazon (bruxadent I think). You put it in hot water and then mould it to your teeth. It seems to help.

[ineedaholidaynow]

I have a mouthguard which I got from the dentist, they do a mould of your teeth so it fits properly. I am on my second one as I chewed through the first!