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scarletspy · 10-01-2012, 02:07 PM

So, I've noticed over the past few weeks that when I'm concentrating I tend to clench my jaw. However my soft splint isn't doing me the slightest bit of good because I'm not actually clenching/grinding my teeth. My top and bottom set of teeth aren't touching at all but my jaw is still clenching.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so, do you have any advice as to how to stop? Obviously my splint isn't doing any good because I'm not grinding. A lot of people I've asked say to stop clenching when I realise I'm doing it but I can be sitting there for long enough doing it and on notice when my jaw feels like it's falling off.

Thanks

Aruba6 · 10-01-2012, 11:23 PM

I'm actually doing the same thing! I was very surprised when I realised why "lips together, teeth apart" does not work for me, my face is still supertense and sore - it's because even though I try to keep my teeth apart, I still tense my facial muscles.
It's like a vicious circle - feel the tension/pain, notice the clenched muscles, put a conscious effort to release it, and after a minute it's back, and here we go again.
Why do people keep doing this to themselves?

Aruba6 · 10-01-2012, 11:24 PM

I'm actually doing the same thing! I was very surprised when I realised why "lips together, teeth apart" does not work for me, my face is still supertense and sore - it's because even though I try to keep my teeth apart, I still tense my facial muscles.
It's like a vicious circle - feel the tension/pain, notice the clenched muscles, put a conscious effort to release it, and after a minute it's back, and here we go again.
Why do people keep doing this to themselves?

barbershopbecky · 10-02-2012, 07:15 AM

You can add me as someone who does this as well. My clench goes from my jaw down my neck and on to the top of my shoulders. I do this day and night.

Over the years I was treated for myofascial pain in my shoulders/neck, and although it was a relieving treatment that helped calm my muscles, I always went right back to clenching. Its not until I've been treated for TMD that I've been getting true relief. For the last 3 months my Doc has had me take a muscle relaxer at bedtime. That along with my lower splint seems to be giving me more relief than I've felt for over a year.

Of course this doesn't mean I've quit clenching...but at least my muscles are forced to settle down for 8 hours a day.

Liquidplasma · 10-02-2012, 08:18 AM

I'm in the same boat as well however I've been told that clenching can be caused by allergies. Especially if you have muscle tension in neck and shoulders as well. Caffiene is a big no no and some people with a gluten intolerence will jaw clench and only realize it when pain and facial pressure start.It also can be tmj period but if your physical joints are fine no disc displacement etc and its pure muscular then there is always a reason. Other sources can also be ( stress&anxiety) or medications your taking for something else.

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