TMJ/bruxism

[LIVIA999]

Hi
Does anyone else suffer from this?
It's been going on since about march for me and really beginning to get me down.
I've just been fitted for a tooth shield for night time so I'm hoping when that arrives it will help.
Other than that I've been taking pain killers constantly but I feel like I wake up with a headache and go to sleep with a worse headache.
I think I clench in day more than the night too which makes it worse.
Does anyone else have any tips or tell me it will go away!!

Definitley the gum shield will help. Also use a toothpaste like pronamel to protect your enamel. My teeth are all cracked and very sensitive.
It takes a couple of weeks to get used to the shield but persevere. If not comfortable go back and get it checked.

Ah thanks for that tip!
I had one of those cheap ones you sort out mould yourself but it just made it worse.
Good to know I should persevere with the proper one as my fear was it would make it hurt.

You do need the proper type fitted by your dentist. I have just had a new one but it needs trimming so I will be going back. They do wear out and need replacing, but gradually they last longer as things settle down.
Have you had a stressful event or a trauma that has set this off?
Mine started when my son died.

My oh used to wake me up because the grinding was so bad it would wake him first. I also used to snap my teeth together with a big clash just before going to sleep. Did it for years until it suddenly stopped. The reason, changed my job. I worked in a stressful environment which was also potentially dangerous but whilst not particularly feeling stressed thinking back, I must have been. Is there anything in your life that could be making you stressed ? Are there things you could try to do before bed to unwind etc.

Yeah it's def stress I think. Ageing parents, house move, stressful job- I have suffered with anxiety for years but never this.
Mind you it's stopped some of the other symptoms so....
I do meditation and CBT.
Isn't the body odd, the way stress comes out.
I'm just hoping it passes. Did yours go away ever or is it better?

Sorry I just saw you said yours stopped. Wow!

I was advised by the dental hospital to watch what I ate when I was getting headaches. Avoid things that need lots of chewing like steaks, crusty baguettes and other stuff and go for softer food. I also bite my lips and my fingers when I'm nervous and they said all these things can aggravate it. I'm on a specially prescribed high fluoride toothpaste too.

I have this too and use a tooth guard. For me it hasn't broken the habit but it does protect the teeth

A local clinic has started to advertise Botox for this. Has anyone tried this? I would seriously consider it if it works as it would help to break the habit of jaw clenching through the day too.

I've had 2 mouthguards over the years and they take a bit getting used to. I was still grinding though and waking with an aching jaw and splitting headache and sore teeth. Moved on to ear implants (yes it sounds like a joke). They cost £500 (and were moulded to fit properly) but I have no more pain in the morning and you can wear them all the time. At first I thought I'd thrown my money away but now am loving them. No I don't work for the company but they can be Googled easily.

You could try getting a massage with a sports massage therapist. They should be able to take some of the tension out of your neck and jaw, this may help reduce some of the pain and headaches while you get used to the mouth guard. Try to find a level 5 qualified therapist as they have a wider training in different techniques.

Hope you find some relief soon.

Oh @allypally999 I saw these online. I think if I have no luck with the gum shield I might give them a go.
Also the massage is something I've been thinking about. I do go to an osteopath sometimes so I might ask him if he has any idea.
I swear now I've reached 40 the majority of my income goes on just keeping myself going! I used to spend it on booze and clothes.

Does anyone ever wear their gumshield in the day? I think my clenching is prob worse in day.

Lol livia I'm much older and get sacks of stuff from the chemist. Also visit a physio regularly. Wanted to get rid of this problem as I'd like to still be able to eat when I am ancient (if I get that far) and my teeth were getting all cracked and sore.

I have this, but I don't grind my teeth. But do clench, especially if cold, my teeth with just start clattering. After my last child I noticed a Clicky jaw and one day it locked. Went to a dentist and they crated my jaw and my socket was out of its joint so they gave me a mouth guard and I don't get pain any more but my jaw still clicks. So not sure if it's just something I am going to have to live with. ??? Any one else have TMJ but don't grind?

@LIVIA999 yes I have to wear my shield as much as possible

I'm really suffering with this atm. I was given a shield by the dentist but have never worn it as I pull it out in my sleep. Should I be going back to the dentist or GP? I'm in agony now.

@literallydumbfounded I clench too rather than grind. I think I do it more in day when I'm concentrating rather than at night.

@DorothyHarris they can refer you if the shield isn't helping. Another poster recommended these ear plugs that are supposed to be good and Botox but I'm guessing both of these wouldn't be NHS. Could be wrong though. I def think go back if the shield isn't working though.

Another clencher checking in. Mine is due to stress, started about 18 months ago, but was only picked up when I knackered three molars. Two have crowns now, after thousands of pounds of root canal work, one had to be extracted after months of painful treatment. I wear my mouthguard religiously, but need to get a new one fitted after having the crowns done. My dentist said the ear plug things work when it’s a habit rather than stress related. The source of the stress for me has been resolved very recently, so I am hoping it eases off.

That's interesting Judy I didn't know that about the stress/habit. I have stopped working so no more stress for me so it must be a habit as the ear plugs do work.

I have this. The main thing I've found that has helped me is treatment from a chiropractor for the headaches. I've just been referred by him to a headache clinic where they use Chiro, dental (I've had a new mouth guard) and counselling for stress and anxiety. Their very refreshing opinion is that you have to think about all three aspects - dental, muscular (jaw/neck) and psychological. I've only just started them but feel like I'm in good hands.