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Original poster

Any advice on bruxism - teeth grinding!

22 replies

LeBearPolar · 25/11/2014 15:18

Have just been to the dentist because of pain in my jaw and he says it's caused by my teeth-grinding (which I do in my sleep so can't consciously stop). He wasn't very helpful on what I could do. Does anyone have tips on how to manage/stop this? Does anyone use a mouth-guard and any recommendations? The dentist said he could make one but it would be very expensive...

TIA

OP posts:

scarletforya · 25/11/2014 15:21

I've had several mouth guards made but they're all too uncomfortable to wear.

I clench more than grind, my teeth are really worn.

Muscle relaxants seem very drastic and I wouldn't fancy the side effects.

AdamantEve · 25/11/2014 15:37

I also clench rather than grind. I actually went to my GP who referred me to the hospital where I got a mouth guard made (free of charge) I've been using it about a fortnight now so not noticed any improvement yet but haven't found it uncomfortable fortunately.
Maybe try your GP? I just assumed as it was a jaw problem (where the pain was) that it was a medical issue rather than dental, I didn't realise I should have discussed it with my dentist!

magicstar1 · 25/11/2014 15:46

I was referred to different hospitals for years with jaw and ear pain. I even had my wisdom teeth removed, until a dental consultant picked up that I grind me back teeth when I'm stressed. I had a mouth guard made and had to wear it for a good while. It did work but I didn't get it from a dentist. I got it from a shop that makes dentures etc. and it was less than half the price.

I seem to have gotten out of the habit in the last few years...not sure if it's down to the guard or not.

Original poster

LeBearPolar · 25/11/2014 15:59

scarlet - that was what he said: that he could make one but it might not suit and then that would be a lot of money wasted. Muscle relaxants sounds too frightening - he didn't suggest that! He did suggest using a hot water bottle on it before going to sleep.

i might try the GP if they can refer me to get a free one!

Will browse around and see if I can find somewhere else that makes them. Am wondering about trying the SleepRight one on the bruxism website.

OP posts:

Kundry · 25/11/2014 16:52

I've used a mouthguard for years - feels a bit weird the first couple of nights but otherwise no problem. They are the mainstay of treatment so you don't have a choice really. I've always got mine from the dentist - can't imagine an off the shelf one would fit properly. They need replacing every couple of years when you grind through them.

V unlikely your GP will want to have anything to do with a dental problem. They aren't dentists.

DramaAlpaca · 25/11/2014 16:58

I've used a night mouth guard for almost thirty years, so I've chewed through a good few of them at this stage . I was recommended one by my dentist when I was 21 as I was grinding my teeth away in my sleep. Thankfully, the mouth guard stopped any further deterioration and I don't wake up with a sore jaw any more.

My current one is a hard, plastic one that fits on my top teeth. I've had soft ones, and I've had them for my bottom teeth and my top ones, but this is the best I've had & I've had it for a few years now. I don't find it uncomfortable at all, in fact I can't sleep without it in. It was from a private dentist and it was quite expensive, but it was money well spent as far as I'm concerned.

minkymuskyslyoldstoaty · 25/11/2014 17:03

i had a gum sheild made at the dentist. It didn't stop the clenching but after a few months, when my stress levels improved, so did the bruxism.

It is horrible, i sympathise because you can't control it, but I had severe anxiety problems that made mine 'happen'. Again, when my health improved it slowly stopped.

Mrsmorton · 25/11/2014 19:09

I'm a dentist and I just want to point out that if you wear a mouth guard that isn't correctly fitted, it can have quite significant impact on your teeth so just be aware.

I'm also a bruxist so, yea, it sucks.

op, please pm me if you want to buy something off the shelf rather than from a dentist (if you'd like of course) just so we can run through any potential problems? Obv I will butt out if you're not bothered!!

orangeplum · 25/11/2014 22:30

Hi Mrsmorton, can bruxism cause tinnitus? I am suffering from really bad tinnitus and wonder if that's causing it. When I wake in the morning I can feel that my jaw has been clenching and my bite has changed.

SanityClause · 25/11/2014 22:34

I have recently started doing this - clenching rather than grinding. Mrsmorton, could you tell me, is it best to go to my dentist about this, rather than try an off the shelf thing?

mydaftlass · 25/11/2014 22:38

I wear a guard on my bottom teeth. It only took a couple of nights to get used to and it has really helped stop the pain. My dentist made it for me.

PJ67 · 25/11/2014 23:14

Hi. I have my mouth guard in for the first time tonight so will let you know how it goes. Feels a bit uncomfortable at the minute but hopefully get used to it. I'm not sure if I grinder clench but am wearing my teeth down. I have a lower plastic one which the dentist made. It cost £50.

PJ67 · 25/11/2014 23:14

Oops, grind or clench!

NuggetofPurestGreen · 25/11/2014 23:22

MrsMorton I recently got a new mouthguard and while it fits over my teeth properly, it's not 'flush', ie when I bite down with back teeth it's tight on the back the front goes down, and vice versa (if that makes sense) like a seesaw. Will that damage my teeth? Thanks.

OP sorry for hijack!

Mrsmorton · 26/11/2014 10:06

I would always recommend getting one professionally fitted.

I don't know about tinnitus, the chorda tympani nerve is closely related to the tongue musckes and
the ear so maybe but I'd need to do some neuro/anatomy revision!!

Nuggets, it shouldn't seesaw, there should be no movement really. It's not going the right job and it could make the clenching worse as you will subconsciously rock it back and forth. It needs adjusting/relining. Did a dentist make it?

allypally999 · 26/11/2014 12:25

You do get used to sleeping with the guard in honest (I'm on my third which is now a hard top one and not the soft plastic bottom one). I am in less pain with less headaches but yes to the tinnitus (?).

I am doing it less due to upped dose of anti-depressants (I have a lot going on) so that's a helpful route too.

I have a private dentist so didn't cost much extra (you just pay lab costs) and well worth it.

NuggetofPurestGreen · 27/11/2014 23:41

Thanks MrsMorton. Yes is a proper dentist one cost a fortune

I'll go back to him and get it adjusted.

Dontwanttobeyourmonkeywench · 03/12/2014 01:58

I ha just started using a hard top games but can I ask how long it took for the gagging to stop? 2nd night of it and I have had less sleep than when I've been clenching I just can't stop gagging and when I get to sleep I keep on waking because I feel like I'm choking. Very snug fit so it's not loose. Oh, and do you get used to having a dry top lip?

I've been given 6-12 months with the guard and then botox or surgery because of my TMJD

Dontwanttobeyourmonkeywench · 03/12/2014 01:58

Guard not games. Bloody auto correct!

kormachameleon · 03/12/2014 02:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VillaVillekulla · 03/12/2014 21:06

I was about to start a thread on this and then found this one. So I'm not alone!

This has started recently for me and is linked to stress. It's really affecting my sleep. I feel permanently tired and my teeth feel sensitive and sore. I'm worried in doing permanent damage.

I was thinking of getting a ready made bite guard thing but it sounds like I should really go to the dentist.

Is it worth trying to find a specialist or should I just go to a local dentist?

Katetonner · 07/12/2014 09:38

This is a huge problem for me, the gum shields just stopped my grinding but now I clench!! It's been going on for 2-3 year (the same time I was diagnosed with cancer, of which I still have) so I can't see the stress disappearing anytime soon!!
I've been offered Botox, I'm waiting on an appointment, does anyone have experience of this as I'm slightly nervous? Ive no idea what to expect? I have had botox in the past but that was for wrinkles!! ;)
Would hypnotherapy help do you think?? X

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