Teeth grinding/bruxism

[charlotte2129]

So, I grind my teeth in my sleep and it's started giving me tooth ache and headaches in the morning. The dental guard from the dentist is bulky and uncomfortable so makes sleeping soundly difficult.

Has anyone ordered a teeth guard online specifically for bruxism? Preferably one that you mould for a snug close fit. And, if so, where from and what are they like??? Very desperate for a solution😭

No I haven't, my one from the dentist suits me quite well. I'd go back to your dentist and request a more comfortable one.

I really sympathise, I have the most terrible problems due to bruxism - back, neck, head, jaw, shoulder pain; grounded teeth and have all but pierced my tongue. It can be treated though.

Are you suffering with stress? If so, tackling this with support from gp should also help.

If you've only had your device from the dentist for a short while I'd recommend persisting with it. It takes a while (speaking from experience) but eventually you won't be able to sleep without it and it'll save your teeth. I've had a device since I was 21 - I'm mid-50s now.

If you really don't get on with it, go back to your dentist. Sorry, not answering your exact question, but I reckon you need a device made from moulds from your own teeth so something you'd get online wouldn't fit as well.

I tried the dentist made guard but was taking painkillers everyday and couldn’t go on. The pain woke me every 2 hours and the guard fitted perfectly. I then had Botox in my jaw; convinced it hadn’t worked then 2-3 weeks later zero pain!

Try Grind Light by Stella White
I get on well with it better than the guards from the dentist

You could try the Botox I've had it too and it did really work, however once it wore off I have started having problems again. Though symptoms aren't as bad yet as chewing hasn't got painful again yet and it was early last year when I had it done.

I clench my jaw as well during the day subconsciously when I'm stressed or concentrating as well as grinding in sleep. Botox won't cure it unless you can break the habit which is feasible for day time but not really during sleep. So you would likely have to continue with the Botox. Though possibly you could persevere with the guard along with the Botox and maybe the combination would break the habit in sleep?

All I would say on the Botox is I have chosen not have anymore after reading it can potentially cause bone loss in the jaw after prolonged use but more research is needed. It was a few months of bliss though!

Thank you for all your responses!! Sounds like I'll be contacting my cosmetic lady when they're open again! Definitely worth trying the Botox by the sounds of it x

Hi how are you getting on with your gumshield? I ordered mine from gumz, they send you a kit to make your own impressions then post it back to them. A fraction of the cost of the dentist and a perfect fitting guard! I’ve been suffering with this for the past couple of years and it’s really getting me down I’ve tried everything to stop. I had Botox 12 days ago and I think I’m finally starting to feel the effects my jaw feels so much more relaxed! Not a nice problem to have.