Grinding teeth at night leading to ear ache?

[Sherbert37]

Anyone have any experience of this? I must be grinding/clenching my teeth while I am asleep. I now have a really sore ear and cannot open my jaws fully. Trying not to go back to the doctor again as I seem to be living there.

It could do Sherbert, mainly cos of the muscles you use when you grind your teeth and where they attach. Also, your jaw is just in front of your ear, so it could be 'referred pain' from your jaw from all that grinding. Probably not a lot the GP would do tbh. If problems persist see your dentist .

Hi Sherbert,
Have you been grinding for long? As my name would suggest, my teeth are not in good nick. I've been grinding them heavily and have actually worn some down.
The dentist told me that it can be to do with your 'bite' - if your bite is wrong, you'll grind unconsciously in your sleep to try and correct it - like a reflex action.

It is something a good dentist can put right but I think it might cost a bit

He also said if you have sore jaws / even pains across shoulders and along neck, this can be due to a grinding/ bite issue. Not sure about the earache though...

Hope this helps

Well I now have drops for build up of wax but not sure this is the whole answer. Thanks for your replies.

Sherbet, go see your dentist. They can show you some excercises to help and may recommend you try wearing a night gaurd to stop the grinding. Generally the problem is diagnosed by the fact that wearing a night guard stops the problem so therefore you know what the probelm was iyswim.

Are you stressed/under pressure/upset at the moment?

If I am suffering any of the above I grind my teeth at night and wake up with a sore jaw and ears.

Speak to your dentist about it and see if there is any damage. If you are damaging your teeth you can get a guard to wear at night.