I am having a problem clenching my teeth at night, any suggestions?

Question

I have mouth guards and have taken muscle relaxers and it has not helped much.

Answer 1

If you had a night guard made by your dentist, that should have solved the problem. I tried the store bought kind and they didn't work, so got the expensive one custom made by the dentist and now I can't sleep without it. Supposedly it is caused by stress, so if you can cut out caffeine and high sugar at least after 2 pm, and do very relaxing things prior to bedtime such as listening to a soft music cd, that might help. Cops and robber shows, traffic jams, loud rock music and crummy jobs - no wonder this society is so stressed out, right!!!

Answer 2

I clench my teeth at night also, alot due to stress but I have several teeth missing on one side in the back so that plays a factor in it. My dentist told me that as soon as he got the teeth pulled that needed to be removed & fix the ones that he can, he would make me a mouth guard to protect my teeth from the clenching and to also relieve some of the pain. Also, if you have TMJ syndrome, your jaw will be out of line a bit, my doctor wrote me a prescription for Ketoprofen PLO gel, I use it twice a day and it helps relax the jaw muscle.

Answer 3

I have the exact same problem. And if I forget ot wear the night guard...I grind my front teeth.

It stinks. I am 30 and have had it since I was 12. It is genetic and stress. There's nothing you can do about it. Unfortunately, I tried many things. I even say the special oral surgeons who make the expensive night guard that properly aligns your jaw....it did take away some pain, but it doesn't correct the problem.

Sorry you have to deal with it too....

Answer 4

Have you had a splint made? It basically helps re-teach your jaw how to fall, and while it's doing that, keeps you from being able to grind your teeth down. It feels really weird at first, but I found it to be the best therapy for clenching and grinding at night, especially if you're also aggravating your TMU area.

Answer 5

i recommend using a night guard and try using it every other night thay why you can train you brain to slowly break the habit.And to relieve fatigue from you jaw and muscles you may want to stop chwing gum for long periods and avoid opening wide..so no submarine sandwiches.....good luck

Answer 6

JERRY,

WHAT YOU REALLY COULD USE TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATE YOUR GRINDING IS THE N.T.I. BRUXISM APPLIANCE. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE:
http://www.nti-tss.com/
JUST TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT THIS
ps: a typical night guard from the dentist would not stop the grinding, you'll still grind but your teeth would be protected