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clenching teeth/jaw

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Posted 2/15/2020 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Recently, I have been clenching my teeth/jaw often. When I notice myself doing it, I stop. But then later I do it again.

I wonder whether this is a result of my anxiety (I have been going through a period of high anxiety for nearly nine months now; it is pretty miserable). Or maybe a side effect of the Zoloft that I am taking (though I have been on that for about 7 months, so I am not sure why this side effect would just start now).

Anyway it is not the worst thing in the world. But wondering whether you have any experience with this.
Posted 2/15/2020 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Make sure you aren't doing this in your sleep too. If it gets bad, you can break teeth. I use to do that on occasion. Clench my jaw, not break teeth. Not anymore. But if it gets bad, you can get a mouth guard. I think that is what they call it. Especially if you do it at night when sleeping.

Stopping yourself is good. Try not to let it become a habit.

I wish you the best.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/15/2020 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
How would I know whether I’m doing it while I’m sleeping?
Posted 2/15/2020 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Your jaw would hurt in the morning. Sometimes it wakes you up. Maybe you aren't doing it that bad.
Posted 2/16/2020 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have done this in the past and have put it down to anxiety and by lowering my anxiety using my coping skills I have been able to stop clenching my teeth and jaw.

Hibee.
Posted 2/16/2020 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I've been wearing a mouth guard (or night guard) for about a year, which was prescribed by my dentist. I wear it every night while I'm asleep in bed so I don't grind my teeth at night.

I recently saw my dentist. And he said that he's very happy about how well my mouth guard has been working for me.
Posted 2/17/2020 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you Mike. I know how irritating the clenching can become.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/17/2020 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Karen.

When I first started wearing my mouth guard, I was worried that it would keep me awake at night. However, that hasn't been a problem for me at all.
Posted 2/21/2020 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
I clench my teeth some, too. My dentist has mentioned it several years back and made me a mouth guard, but I found it too uncomfortable so I've never worn it. They didn't mention anything at my most recent visit though. My jaw is never sore in the mornings though. I just notice myself clenching my jaw sometimes during the day.
Posted 2/25/2020 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
I do the same thing and my teeth started to worn out so I have to sleep with a mouth guard. I am used to it so it does not bother me. I do it during the day too but at least I can stop myself when I notice I am doing it. I took zoloft before but I have had this anxiety symptom way before and after zoloft.
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