Any suggestion to alleviate the tensed jaws & facial pain?

[Return2thebasic]

I'm certain it's the anxiety built up over these months with having to deal with all these intense feelings during the pandemic, particularly the homeshooling.

The tension is mostly concentrated around the facial muscles around the mouth under the nose, where the smilelines are. I can feel the first thing in the morning, the muscle is all knotted up even after a night of sleep. I know my jaws must have been clenching/biting each other when I was in sleep. Just can't relax them.

I'm aware it's an overall mental healthy issue. But is there any suggestion just to alleviate the localised tension on the the face?

Thank you.

I get this too, stress related. I haven't got any night answers but I find it helps if, when I notice it, I sort of sit with my mouth dropping open for a little while. It does make me yawn, is very unattractive and should only be done in private. But it helps ...

gluenotsoup, feels like a very "attractive" solution just by the sound of it. And I couldn't resist dropping my jaw already while reading this.

Or, when its not private and you become aware of the teeth and jaw clenching, put the tip of your tongue between your teeth with your mouth closed.It makes you stop otherwise you bite your tongue. I must sound awful to sit next too.

I feel needing a facial massage. Started investigating on those vibrating facial rollers...

luenotsoup good tips... My dentist told me that I was grinding my teeth at night. I didn't believe it. Then I realised it's probably this type of jaw clenching...

I have the same thing! I went to see an osteopath and he massaged the inside of my mouth 🙈🙈 it was weird at the time but definitely loosened up!

I also bought a mouthguard from Amazon. It’s not the best fit but helps separate the jaws so it’s harder to clench.

Apparently Botox can be helpful for this, some dentists provide it. Maybe ask around for recommendations? Btw I definitely wouldn't go to a beautician for this, if someone is injecting me with poison I would want them to have a medical degree!

BriocheBriocheBrioche, there are videos on YouTube for alleviating smile lines. There are lots of stretching and massaging from inside the mouth. Looked weird and I couldn't manage to bring myself to do it.

The dentist proscribed a mouthguard for me. I used for less than a month. Hated the feeling of wearing it. And my entire mouth filled with weird smell /taste after a night...

16:32DearTeddyRobinson, I thought botox stop muscles moving altogether?

I use this video to stop my teeth grinding. It is not a permanent fix, but works really well.

It works by subliminal suggestion. Sounds a bit woo but it's worked for me.

I've been taking magnesium supplements for the past 5 months for this - it hasn't stopped the teeth clenching/grinding completely but it is helping.

@Return2thebasic I’ve had Botox from the dentist for this - I used to get terrible migraines from teeth clenching and have actually lost teeth due to it as well, and the Botox is the only thing that helps. Apparently they can judge it so it just weakens the relevant muscles, and it’s completely non cosmetic so doesn’t alter your appearance at all. Since lockdown I haven’t been to the dentist so haven’t had it, and am finding using a facial roller at home helps a bit, although it’s not as good.

Try a mouth guard

The natural tendency is to try and massage your face from the outside but I agree with a PP that it’s more effective to put your thumbs in your mouth and massage from the inside, right into the cheeks.

Pilates or yoga might help. I also use a mouth guard.

I had this once and found that using an electric toothbrush to clean my teeth and gently massage my gums helped.

Have a look at Bob and Brad (I think?!) massage and exercises for tempomandibular pain on YouTube. Also amazon mouth guard overnight.

I wear a mouth guard on the bottom teeth only. Hate it on my top teeth.

I still notice the clenching upon waking in the morning. Don't know what to do to stop it but I do believe the mouth guard stops me damaging my teeth (a bit anyway).

My dentist told me to chew sugar free gum

I've found massage with a wee nobbly facial massage tool or a jade roller helps.

I aw one the Bob and Brad videos on YouTube.
I clenched my jaw so much I cracked a molar in half and had to have it removed. I wear a splint at night.
I find stretching my face helps but my tension is in my masticator (sp?) I am tempted to try Botox

Following with interest- jaw pain and numb tongue has gradually built up over last 6 months. Finally got to see a dentist, after 18months since last appointment, last week who said I’ve been grinding my teeth. She’s given me exercises to do, will take a photo and see if I can upload it in morning. I know mine’s stress and anxiety related as we relocated last summer (hence the delay in finding a new dentist) that and the juggle of lockdown teaching & working is not helping relieve the tension that must have built up over the last year. Will get a face roller when TK Maxx reopens, as they had loads in before lockdown!

I had exactly the same problem for extreme stress for a period of time and woke with my jaw on fire from clenching in my sleep.

I tried this herbal relaxation remedy and after a few weeks I didn't need it anymore as I had reprogrammed myself to stop the bad habit.

Hope you feel better soon.

herbalpetsupplies.co.uk/product/hhh-chill-drops/

My GP told me to try the Headspace app. It teaches you meditation and mindfulness. I find it helps in general with anxiety, although I realise your question is a little more specific. Good luck!

I have the same issue. Dentist has tried mouth guards but they make it worse if anything. I guess they stop the teeth wearing away but they made me clench harder for some reason.
Hoping some of these alternatives suggested above will make a difference.

Have you tried focussing on your breathing? I think someone up thread suggested headspace I have found it helpful.

Sadly I have been experiencing issues with digestion,which I think is stress related, and meditation is helping.

It is not a quick fix but by becoming aware it may help 😊