Teeth gritting

[SlipperTripper]

Appreciate this isn't an AIBU, but posting for traffic, as am going out my mind here!

Over the past month or so I've been getting a really sore jaw on one side, which I THINK is down to me gritting my teeth throughout the course of the day.

Like everyone, we're having a shitty time of it at the moment. Two girls at home being home schooled (one reluctant gcse student, one struggling 9yo), DH is a key worker so flat out, I've just started a new job, and of course there's the general stresses and strains of normal life that were all juggling.

To add insult to injury, the poxy Boiler went bang last night, so we're down heating and hot water, and I am a bit highly strung myself anyway (had a TFMR last year, and this coming Sunday should have been my due date)

Anyway. Long story short, the pain has really ramped up over the past couple of days - no pain at all all day, but by about 8.30pm it starts, had me in tears last night with pain in my jaw, right round to my ear and up to my eye socket. Only on one side. Totally gone by the morning. Last night was the worst it's been, but the day had been particularly trying!

All I can think of is that I'm subconsciously gritting my teeth throughout the day, and the pressure is building up? I've tried an Amazon mouthguard but just dribble all over myself, and paracetamol/nurofen, Anbesol (spelling?) didn't touch it last night.

Sodding dentist isn't responding to appointment requests at the moment, which is far from helpful.

Does anyone have any amazing tips on helping me break this really bloody irritating habit?!? I'll try anything at this stage!

I’m afraid I have nothing to add but will be watching! I’m exactly the same

You have to become hyper aware of yourself and when you are doing it. Try pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth when you catch yourself doing it as it’s hard to do both together.

Alexander Technique constructive rest is excellent for losing muscular tension in the body. Again requires a bit of time and self awareness.

And try facial massage on yourself, that helps a bit too. Can. You tell I’m a recovering tooth grinder?!

I had this really bad last week and couldn't eat without it hurting. With stress we subconsciously tense our jaws I think.

No advice I'm afraid but it did go away on its own. Apparently you can get Botox injections to help with the pain

Sorry you're in so much pain, it is awful. Can you get an emergency dental appointment through the NHS? Just had mouth guard fitted for tooth grinding at night- it might be more comfortable if made for you. Dentist also recommended Sensodyne toothpaste. Grinding can apparently cause temporary pressure damage a bit like bruising to nerve tissue, ligaments etc in the mouth and the pain spreads. Wearing the guard makes me a bit more aware what I'm doing with my jaw (ie clenching it), but admittedly I haven't been wearing it in the day- doesn't seem to cause dribbling though. Sorry painkillers aren't helping you, I did find Ibuprofen 400mg helped- it's anti-inflammatory- also used paracetamol and codeine. Could your GP prescribe stronger painkiller? Lastly, might it be worth asking about a muscle relaxant if your problem isn't with the teeth themselves? I just googled it, and it seems Botox can be used for tension in the jaw- but don't know how widely, I was only wondering about it. Hope you get some help, it sounds horrendous xx

I had this of a night recently. The only thing that helped the pain was Codeine.

Just thought to add, my mouth guard is lower jaw only, so feels a bit strange but not too much in the way. Just getting used to it!

Botox in your jaw helps massively. A night guard made for you at the dentist. A facial roller in the fridge to sooth and massage your face after a nasty flare up and google self facial massage. I really sympathise as it was very unpleasant when I suffered with grinding/clenching and TMJ

Suffering with this at the moment.
I have an app in my phone that tells me not to clench my teeth throughout the day. I'm using heat pads, cocodamol and a neck massager as that's where the tension is on me.

Same! I've suffered from this since the start of the pandemic and it's really getting me down.
My head and neck often ache and I catch myself clenching my jaw all day as well as the grinding at night.
I have the dentist on the 4th of March so following with interest.
Heat pads and Jade roller sound good

Ah OP I feel you.
I started clenching recently. I'd had a lot of pain in my front incisors and went to see my dentist who said until we could be sure which tooth was causing the issue I was stuck. She also asked if I clenched my teeth. I said no at the time, but then realised actually, I had started to.

I didn't want to go back so bought myself this from Amazon:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07DWL67PD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

It's really good actually. Between that and my awareness that I'm doing it and trying to stop, the pain has lessened. I did read that grinding and clenching bruises the root and thats what causes the pain. I don't know if thats true or not but in my case it's certainly a lot nigglier after a poor nights sleep.

I had this....best tip the dentist gave me was to put your tongue to the roof of your mouth with tip against the back of your top teeth. Its actually impossible to grind like that. Took maybe 2-3 days of remembering to do this, and I now do it automatically. No more teeth grinding!! It definitely worked well for me :)

Try 12 hour ibuprofen. Same as one dose but slow release. This worked wonders for me and tooth pain recently.

I’ve done this for years. Thankfully it hasn’t damaged by teeth so far but my the other symptoms are vile. I have serious jaw pain and the headaches that go with are the worst. Tmj disorxer etc. My jaw can’t open that wide and it pops and clicks all the time.

Anyway, I have a custom made guard from the dentist.

I clench in my sleep which is the worst as I wake up in so much pain some mornings. I also clench whilst driving and whilst relaxing (trying to relax anyway). When I’m busy I don’t do it as much.

Ibuprofen is my best friend some days. Also heat packs (wheat bag type things to put in microwave).

I’ve also got a booklet of exercises to do when is bad from the hospital dentist. Maybe you can find some online?

Sometimes the key is to break the habit but that’s not easy.

As well as head and has pain. I tend to get back and shoulder pain too. I can’t eat anything hard like boiled sweets or anything tough or crusty (crusty rolls etc).

Hope it’s better soon op.

Thank you everyone! My quartz moisturiser roller is in the fridge ready for later, I've Amazon Primed a heat wrap (and some nurofen migraine strength!) and prewarned DH that if this continues, I'm off for botox, Covid or no Covid.

I've been trying to keep my tongue on the roof of my mouth all day... amazing how much brain power that takes 😂 I'm knackered! At this rate, I'll be asleep before half 8, so in theory, problem solved!

@Fuss bruising of the root of the tooth hits the nail on the head. A really sore, throbbing pain but can't quite put your finger on quite where. The pain that spiders outwards in waves is easier to pinpoint (eye socket, jawline etc) but the actual pain inside my mouth is really hard to actually FIND, if that makes sense?

Do you get sore teeth due to clenching?

@Nets888 my teeth kill but not sure if its the clenching. Wbu ? Xx