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Original poster

How do I stop myself clenching my jaw?! Am I a weirdo??

23 replies

SpiderCharlotte · 13/11/2019 10:01

It seems to be my default even when I'm sitting watching TV - I clench my jaw. I don't know why or why I've only just realised but I'm trying to consciously not do it - I'm sure it must be why I get headachy at the end of the day.

Does anyone else do this or am I just odd?

OP posts:

AliceLittle · 13/11/2019 10:06

Magnesium.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 13/11/2019 10:09

I do it - and when I'm especially stressed I grind my teeth in my sleep. So you're not a weirdo at all. Are you stressed or is it just a habit?

AliceLittle How does magnesium help?

NoNewsisGood · 13/11/2019 10:10

Go and see a massage person. I saw an osteo for this as was recommended by my dentist. Best thing I did. I went regularly for a while but now, I just remember to do the exercises. I basically had a habit of tense jaw and the muscles were so tight. Was amazed when left even after the first appointment as realised where my lower jaw should actually be.

Original poster

SpiderCharlotte · 13/11/2019 13:14

I think it's a habit. I have been stressed - been a shit year for me health-wise but I'm gradually coming out the other side now. As soon as I realise I'm doing it I stop, I think I've probably been doing it for years.

OP posts:

inwood · 13/11/2019 13:16

I ended up getting a retainer from the dentist, I had TMJ from grinding. Stress related in my case.

Imnotaslimjim · 13/11/2019 13:18

Same here, the headaches from it are awful sometimes. I also have TMJ as a secondary and broken teeth from clenching in my sleep

I got a mouth guard from the dentist, cost £80 but was worth every penny.

Original poster

SpiderCharlotte · 13/11/2019 13:18

I don't think I grind my teeth - just clench my jaw. I must look permanently angry. 😂

OP posts:

WillowySnicket · 13/11/2019 13:23

I do it too.

I tried Botox in my jaw but I just referred the tension elsewhere and ended up with subconsciously clenching some other random part of my skull or neck. I wouldn't recommend it.

The only thing that has helped has been conscious relaxation techniques when I feel myself doing it.

Original poster

SpiderCharlotte · 13/11/2019 13:42

Yes, that's what I'm trying to do. It's a strange habit to have but at least I'm not the only one!

OP posts:

Rubytinsleslippers · 13/11/2019 13:45

I got a mouth guard from the dentist, made to fit. Wore it to break the habit.

Ilovetolurk · 13/11/2019 13:48

My dermatologist has botox himself to stop this

DramaAlpaca · 13/11/2019 13:50

I have a mouth guard to stop me doing this in my sleep.

MrsPerfect12 · 13/11/2019 13:55

You could ask the doctor to refer you to maxillofacial. I had this for several years woke in agony and my jaw was locked shut. Mouth guard and relaxation therapy help. I did however grind through several mouth guards but they defo help. You can get some calming or mindfulness apps for free.

MaddieElla · 13/11/2019 14:00

My dentist has quoted me £400 for a mouth guard!

Damntheman · 13/11/2019 14:12

I managed to stop this through sheer bullheaded willpower and a very annoying vibration alarm every five minutes on my watch to make sure I thought about it all the time.

HOWEVER! My friend also does this, and her doctor has worked out it's to do with tension elsewhere in the body - in her case the hips. Apparently it's very common. So I'd get thee to some kind of stretch workout - yoga or pilates or body balance or something and make sure you get up to move regularly at work.

ActualHornist · 13/11/2019 15:36

@MaddieElla my dentist did me a mouthguard for £100 - he said it was cheaper private than NHS as it’s band three.

I have a mouthguard but I rarely use it. I tend to put my tongue between my teeth when I become aware of it. I have ground my incisors down a lot. I also have tooth pain which feels like a cavity but isn’t; it’s just pressure.

I’m not generally stressed I don’t know why I do it.

TheSecretJeven · 13/11/2019 15:46

I have a mouthguard as I grind my teeth at night it does take a bit of getting used to it. Try relaxation exercises first as they can be pricey.

Drinkciderfromalemon · 13/11/2019 16:01

I do it constantly, no teeth grinding involved. I also push my tongue hard against the roof of my mouth. When I make a conscious effort to relax my mouth and jaw, it's like that lovely feeling when you do the wee you have been bursting for.

beethebee · 13/11/2019 16:06

I used a mouthguard. I bought a mouldable one for not too much from a sports shop.

36degrees · 13/11/2019 16:07

I get this but in my neck, so like other people I keep myself conscious of needing not to do it, and also do stretches to counteract the effects. I also hold tension in my jaw to a lesser degree and my massage person does a weird poky thing on my jaw when I see her which feels amazing, so there must be a jaw equivalent exercise to my neck stretches that helps loosen things off again.

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 13/11/2019 16:13

Gosh I was going to start a thread asking this! My neck, face and jaw seem constantly super tight as a default. #36degrees those neck stretches sound interesting. Have you got a link? TIA

Original poster

SpiderCharlotte · 13/11/2019 16:14

I actually feel so much better knowing that it's not just me. 😂

OP posts:

Dylanpickle · 13/11/2019 16:15

OP, no you are not a weirdo.

I do this too, especially when stressed, my teeth are flat from grinding and clenching. The dentist was worried I was going to fracture my teeth, but I don't realise it's happening!

I second a guard from your dentist,(can't remember how much mine was) or you can get splints from the internet for about £20.

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