any ideas on how to stop mouth clenching? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

hayley0610 · 09-28-2004, 08:20 AM

i am soooooo sick and tired of waking up with my jaw feeling like it went for a ride during my sleep! ive tried mouth gaurds and that does nothing. not only am i grinding my teeth but the worst is that depending on what kid of dream i have i wake up to my jaw just aching!! i wake up and feel it pop its not just painful but annoying! i know im tensing it during the day and through the night and it even goes down my shoulder and arm, im assuming thats normal?? the pain even feels like its in my teeth is that normal?? ive tried relaxation and yoga doesnt work so does anyone have ideas with meds? i was thinking robaxil as i dont want a pain killer so much as something that makes my muscles relax.

eternal21 · 09-28-2004, 11:15 AM

gosh I wish someone had a answer to this!! I know I was clenching at the start of all this during the day.So now Im doing much better with that.Very aware if I do it. Ok so I walk around. with my mouth open most of the time!! Robaxin did nothing for me. I am trying Flexaril now. a half of a 5mg dose. that seems to help. Hot baths before bed.everymorning a moist heat pack and sometime two times a day.Lots of massage! Havent licked it yet..but hoping to soon.. the yoga bothered my neck and it did spasms,so not jumping back to that.

SarahF · 09-28-2004, 11:31 AM

First don't do heat - only do ice. I was told that by both my massage therapist and my chiro.

Second, to reduce the effects of clenching you need a GOOD hard acrylic splint custom made for you. Those store bought sports mouth guards only gave me something to chew on at night. The splint doesn't end the clenching but I can tell when I don't wear it.

hayley0610 · 09-28-2004, 01:50 PM

well splints here are over a thousand bucks so thats not an option right now...i know most of my problem is from the day too which is frustrating i dont even realize when im clenching down i just do it.

eternal21 · 09-29-2004, 10:21 AM

I never did either during the day,but it really took a big effort to notice. Keep your mouth in the N position with the tongue up to the roof.Of course I have perfected really pushing it at night now! Someone else hung a stop watch around their neck and checked every ten minutes to be sure their posture and everything was in check.I try to do mouth exercises about every half hour or so as well.I also have notes posted to my computer.

Ive tried heat and ice. The ice when my jaw seems really inflamed. I have been told both,cant really decide which does anything better.