I grind my teeth (in my sleep) and maybe sometimes during the day when I don't pay attention. I chew my food really hard and it takes a lot of effort to stop it. Well the dentist gave me a mouthguard which probably helps cosmetic-wise, but physically, my jaw hurts extremely bad right now. Especially when I open my mouth. I think its due to anxiety, but what causes teeth grinding and how can I help it? Should I get treatment for anxiety?
2007-02-01 08:13:55 · 8 answers · asked by Justina 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Sounds like you have a TMJ-disorder. TMJ=tetromandibular joint. (the jaw joint). I have the same problem. Moist heat, alternate with ice (10 min on, 10 off, etc.) Try taking some aleve. Hold your hand in a fist and use your knuckles starting at the top of your jaw and move down while opening your mouth. Try eating softer foods. Hold your tongue at the top of your front two teeth and slowly open your jaw. That will release a lot of pressure. Talk to your dentist about a referral to a oral surgeon. Try to de-stress with exercise, breathing, yoga. Be careful of heavy duty pain meds, they mask the pain but don't work on the cause.
2007-02-01 08:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by sab 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may have a condition called TMJ that's a disorder of the Tempo-mandibular Joint,located high and to the side of the face where the upper and lower jaws form its connection.You need to see your Dentist to be sure.He will do some x-rays and a scan to be sure. Treatment will include a mouth guard to be worn at night to protect the tooth surfaces from the grinding,some anti-inflammatory meds along with a muscle relaxer to help with pain and spasm's.Take care. SW RNP
2007-02-01 09:09:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like TMJ. Sometimes ppl have TMJ and don't really have any severe conditions with it but I had it and it got so bad I couldn't open my mouth to even brush my teeth. I lived off of ENSURE for 3 months and only soups and mashed potatoes before that! I finally had to have surgery on mine but it's rare to have to have surgery. They can make you a splint to sleep in and that helps MOST people. Since my surgery I've had little pain but if I do feel pressure or pain in my jaw I just sleep with my splint and it helps me by the next morning. I've had two babies, had whiplash, a broken arm, hemroid surgery and a hysterectomy but having TMJ was THE MOST PAINFUL of ANYTHING I've EVER had!!!! Thank God I've not had any trouble in a couple of years. Good luck and I hope you aren't developing this.
2016-03-29 00:19:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
bruxism, or grinding your teeth, clamping your jaw etc, is an inherited trait. The bite guard if made and fitted properly will prevent damage to your teeth, but will do little to stop the problem
The pain you feel is TMJ, and there are treatments available, suggest you see either an orthodontist, or an ENT specialist for specific answers.
2007-02-01 08:19:38 · answer #4 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my ex used to grind her teeth, and she wore the mouthguard at night. it soon stopped, but whenever she got stressed it came back.
so i would say, work on reducing stress in your life. turn off the tv, meditate, do yoga, take baths, things like that. Our stress manifests itself in weird ways sometimes.
2007-02-01 08:18:30 · answer #5 · answered by snowraider 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a mouth piece you can wear at night and go from there.
2007-02-01 08:17:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not its not anxiety, you have worms, take or worm medicine cleanser. drink milk too for the pain
2007-02-01 08:18:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
put ice on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-02-01 08:23:47 · answer #8 · answered by Maria 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋