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Bruxism, or something worse?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 8/10/2014 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
A few months back I saw a doctor. At the time I suspected a ear infection. He told me my ear looked fine, and theorized habitual clinching, while I slept. There's slight swelling on my left cheek/jaw, and soreness to support this. So he advised me to see a dentist to confirm the theory. I ended up seeing my dentist for a cleaning/teeth check up, a week or so later. Me being the coward I am didn't mention the clinching theory. The thought of wearing a night guard to bed scared me, cause I fear choking on it.

I did mention pain in my left teeth. They were examined well. (X Ray machine & all) Would the X Ray machine detect a tooth infection if there is one? My mom say's it would...
Posted 8/10/2014 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
The dentist would have noticed any inflammation.. do you have your wisdom teeth yet?

I have a specially made hard mouth guard..trust me, there is no way you will choke on it. The problem is getting it off in the morning! I had bad brux and chipped my front tooth:/
Posted 8/10/2014 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
No, I don't have any wisdom teeth yet.

One wisdom tooth could be erupting. I've been experiencing immense pain on the left, bottom, back of my mouth. Which could be the very reason I clinch in the first place. (I caught myself doing it one morning.)

I'm going to call my dentist Monday morning and look into getting a appointment. I can't take this pain anymore, I just want it to go away. I fear I may die from this, some how. (Stupid anxiety...)

Post Edited (Sky Kitty) : 8/10/2014 8:34:08 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/10/2014 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
If it was a wisdom tooth they should have seen it straight away on the xray. A wisdom tooth can be sore coming in but generally they don't cause swelling. Is the pain in just 1 spot(like a tooth ache) or does it radiate up to your cheek or back to your ear?

I thought I was gonna die from neck tension last week..anxiety is a crazy illness!..it makes you feel so stupid sometimes
Posted 8/10/2014 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to mention I'm a chronic and verrrryyy lonnnnng tiiiime clencher!! Oh dear God, it's dreadful. So first off, I can relate to the pain, the muscles becoming uneven and even feeling hypertonic in a way.

There are night guards that have external flips on them. You won't choke on them! You can get one from your dentist, or even at the drug store. They've come a lonnnng way from when I first had to try them decades ago.

It makes a huge difference when you wear one because you are giving your jaw muscles an opportunity to relax. We can't do it all on our own, so sometimes we just need a little help!











M.
Posted 8/10/2014 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
The pain radiates in front of my ear, and along my cheek bones. Flesh in those general areas feels inflamed, and tingly, as well as sore.

I'm a bit scared what's going to happen next. Hopefully I can get a mouth guard, before anymore damage occurs.

Is a stinging tooth, or two a normal occurrence for clinchers? (Might be referred pain from my jaw.)

Post Edited (Sky Kitty) : 8/12/2014 12:02:08 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/10/2014 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Your dentist would be the best one to ask about this. Chronic clenching of the jaw *can* potentially loosen teeth so it's best to get them checked out and make sure.

But yep, the pain you describe is pretty common!











M.
Posted 8/11/2014 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Alright, thanks.

By any chance could something be wrong with my pituitary gland? It hurts.

Post Edited (Sky Kitty) : 8/12/2014 12:13:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/11/2014 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
How do you feel that your pituitary gland hurts?

The best one to ask would be your doctor so they can order lab work and have everything checked out. Remember, we're all peers here, not doctors, so we're unable to dispense medical advice, but rather share in support....

Let us know how you make out! :)











M.
Posted 8/12/2014 6:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same question as Merrida..how do you know its your pituitary gland? Might it be the nerves that pass by your jaw?

Stinging teeth is totally normal when clenching but the pain should lesson as the day goes on. When you go see your dentist tell him every little detail no matter how silly it sounds.
Posted 8/12/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know. Just been freaking out. I suffer from severe anxiety, mild depression, various sleep disorders, inability to handle stress, and general feeling of uselessness.

For a little while my mom was saying I could live with her, until I got back on me feet. Now that I'm nearly 25, she wants me out of her house soon.

Caught myself clinching this morning. I was having a nightmare, about my best male friend/love interest, dating one of his ex's, and her rubbing there relationship in my face. :(

The much need dental appointment was scheduled. Unfortunately my dentist is on vacation. So I won't be able to see him, until the 28th of August.

Oh and I found my first silver/white hair. I'm too young for such things. Talk about freaky.
Posted 8/12/2014 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to mention how I love my greys! I don't have as many as I'd like, but I love 'em! What I'd give to be one of those 'silver foxes!'

Anyhoo, I'm not sure why you are pinpointing your pituitary gland? Where are you feeling pain, and what pain are you feeling, that's making you be this specific?

General Health Anxiety is at best inconvenient. It can manifest in so many ways. Clenching your jaw is just one of them.

When you do see your dentist when they get back from vacation, get a thorough exam and bring up the issue with them, making sure to mention all of your concerns. A lot of relief can be had when we learn from the doc and have an understanding of what's contributing to the pain.

Can't emphasize the benefit of a night guard enough.

I have PTSD and have had nightmares and even night terrors,....I know how both frightening, and stressing, these can be. And yes, I've woken up clenching my jaw, grinding my teeth,.....

Are you in therapy or on meds to help with your anxiety and panic disorder? Are you practicing your coping skills every evening before bed and first thing in the morning? Are you getting sufficient exercise and hydration? All these can play an important part.












M.
Posted 9/27/2014 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
A few weeks ago I saw my dentist, he confirmed I have TMD, and gave me a referral for a specialist. Sadly insurance doesn't cover the visit/treatment plan. I fear my condition is deteriorating, and the damage is going to become irreversible, before I can do anything. I'm not eating much of anything, these days, and I'm already under weight as it is. I'm also afraid to sleep, because of sleep clenching. I can't go on like this. :(
Posted 9/27/2014 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
I would strongly encourage you to consider getting a dental night guard. It's an affordable alternative to doing nothing, or in the meantime while you're trying to figure out how to approach this. I know how painful this can get.





M.
Posted 9/28/2014 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I like to get a night guard, I just can't afford it right now. I'm beyond broke.
Posted 9/28/2014 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
They have some inexpensive ones at the local pharmacy or chemists. Even if you don't get one of the more expensive ones, at least getting something to barricade your teeth from grinding can be a start to the mend.



M.
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