Teeth grinding

Hi Panike.  I had this problem about 12 years ago (and I was not on any medication at the time).  My dentist made a mold of my upper teeth to use as a bite guard.  Additionally, he could easily tell the teeth that I was grinding due to the wear and tear on them.  He went in with one of his instruments and sanded/smoothed them down.

Anyway..the night bite guard was great for about 2 months.  Then I managed to grind through it - and that was the end of that.  But I still have the same bad habit as you do about rubbing my tongue across the ridges of my back teeth.  My dentist has attributed it to anxiety and that is our body's unconscious way of dealing with it.  Perhaps you could give your dentist a call or visit to get your own night guard fitted.  I realize that it doesn't stop the habit itself, which is driving you crazy.  But maybe if you were to wear it around during the day if possible, it might make you more self-conscious so that you could stop yourself from doing it.

I'm not sure if this helps at all.  But good luck!

Cass

Good Morning Panike,

So good to see you back with us and I know how the anxiety can feel under-control and suddenly start creeping up for no reason that we can think of.............so just go with it and remember you have anxiety, anxiety does not have you.

Anxiety and teeth grinding appear to be a major culprit in this problem. When we are under a great deal of stress and anxiety our bodies tense up. Our muscles tense up and the tension can create grinding of your teeth during the night.

I like the idea of the mouth guard so please do take a look into that option.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Ive always been a 'grinder', even as a kid. I also have TMJ so that doesnt help, but I went to an orthodontist and got a splint made to sleep with. Kinda like a mouth guard, but specifically shaped for my mouth. It helps ease the tension.

 

I hope you find some relief,

 

Maz XX

I used to grind my teeth really badly when I was a kid and I have TMJ. My dentist recommended to my parents that i get a mouth guard and to get braces. Also they said that I could grow out of it. It wasnt as big of a deal considering I had almost all my baby teeth at the time so it wasnt affecting permanent teeth. However, I never ended up getting a guard and I did grow out of it, and I never have had braces and have perfectly straight teeth and no TMJ pain. I have had friends that did use a guard and said it helped them out alot!

I know its not much help but I suppose it would help to know that other people experienced the same thing.


:]

Hi Panike:  You can get the mouth guards either at your dentist or the drug store.  However, (and I know this really sounds dumb but...) I have always had a phobia about choking.  And when the dentist made the mold for my mouth guard he made it thinner than the one at the store and I was able to tolerate having that in my mouth.  Yes, I managed to chew thru it in 8 weeks but it was great for the time that I had it.  So, I guess the answer to your question is it is a matter of personal preference.   Perhaps find out what the prices are for each and then go from there.

Good luck!

Cass

Hi Panike,

 

I am just like CassandraLee where my dentist has to make a mouth guard for me and file my teeth even just for relief.  In fact I have an appt. w/my dentist this Friday for exactly that.

 

I don't grind, but I clench.  I even clench my fists too where my nails dig into my hands and leave little  marks.  My long pretty nails are the only things that help me realize that I'm clenching my hands when I finally say, "Owwwww!!!!"  lol

 

I grip things really tight too.  I tense the muscles in my face/forehead, neck and I have to keep reminding myself to relax them before I realize how tensed up I am!

 

You are not alone.  I just have to get into a habit of checkin in with myself more and say...."R...E....L...A...X"!