I have a terrible problem of clinching my jaw while I am awake. I do it so much sometimes that my jaw aches. I have no problem with it at night. It feels better when I get up in the morning, than I do it all over again. It is worse at times. The severity of it comes and goes. I also have TMJ in my jaw.
2006-11-25 01:32:51 · 5 answers · asked by Betty S 1 in Health ➔ Dental
It is a habit you must help your brain break. Cut a stray in half. keep it in your mouth and to the side and back. Don't allow yourself to bite down on it.
2006-11-25 01:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by thirsty mind 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ANGELDUST - you're like me - I'll bt you also try to tell people "it's not novacaine...it's lidocaine or articaine!" good luck w/ that.
Yes, TMJ is anatomy; the condition is called "TMD" for temporomandibular Disease or Disorder.
To answer your question - mouthguard might work; chewing gum might work, (give your mouth soething to do) but it might exacerbate the TMD..... you may have to get a doc/dent to prescribe you a relaxant, such as low dose valium or skelaxin.
You could even take some cotton rolls and just put them in the back of your mouth between your molars; this keeps you from biting down,, but will make you talk funny...
Take ibuprofen when needed to deal w/ the soreness.
2006-11-25 12:11:47 · answer #2 · answered by drswansondds 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, you could try wearing a mouth guard during the day when you can to stop it from happening. other then that there isnt much you can do but be aware of it and try to stop yourself. As for TMJ in your jaw....TMJ stands for Temporal Mandibular Joint...everyone has one. I think you meant to say something else.
2006-11-25 11:25:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd ask your dentist to check out your bite. You may have a spot that needs a little trimming. There is no law that says a night guard can not be worn during the day, so consider that.
Otherwise, just repeat this mantra in your head:
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
Lips together; teeth apart.
2006-11-25 12:18:10 · answer #4 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
BETTY,
HAVE YOUR DENTIST MAKE YOU AN N.T.I. APPLIANCE. THEY ARE VERY COMFORTABLE AND YOU CAN HAVE ONE MADE FOR THE LOWER JAW.
WEARING THIS DAY OR NIGHT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOUR TEETH TO EVER COME TOGETHER. AFTER WEARING ONE YOUR MUSCLES WILL BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO NOT CLENCHING. THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO BREAK THIS HABIT.
2006-11-25 16:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋