Can you help me with my jaw and clenching teeth....?!
Question: At night, my teeth tend to clench down and i wake up severel times a night, and feel a lot of pain in my jaw, ive tried night/bite guards but their either too big, or to hard, do you have any suggestions or ideas?
Answers: At night, my teeth tend to clench down and i wake up severel times a night, and feel a lot of pain in my jaw, ive tried night/bite guards but their either too big, or to hard, do you have any suggestions or ideas?
When you bite down hard, you put force on the object between your teeth and on the joint. In terms of physics, the jaw is the lever and the TMJ is the fulcrum. Actually, more force is applied (per square foot) to the joint surface than to whatever is between your teeth. To accommodate such forces and to prevent too much wear and tear, the cartilage between the mandible and skull normally provides a smooth surface, over which the joint can freely slide with minimal friction.
Therefore, the forces of chewing can be distributed over a wider surface in the joint space and minimize the risk of injury. In addition, several muscles contribute to opening and closing the jaw and aid in the function of the TMJ.
Symptoms:
Ear pain
Sore jaw muscles
Temple/cheek pain
Jaw popping/clicking
Locking of the jaw
Difficulty in opening the mouth fully
Frequent head/neck aches
Because TMJ symptoms often develop in the head and neck, otolaryngologists are appropriately qualified to diagnose TMJ problems. Proper diagnosis of TMJ begins with a detailed history and physical, including careful assessment of the teeth occlusion and function of the jaw joints and muscles. If the doctor diagnoses your case early, it will probably respond to these simple, self-remedies:
Rest the muscles and joints by eating soft foods.
Do not chew gum.
Avoid clenching or tensing.
Relax muscles with moist heat (1/2 hour at least twice daily).
In cases of joint injury, ice packs applied soon after the injury can help reduce swelling. Relaxation techniques and stress reduction, patient education, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or other medications may be indicated in a dose your doctor recommends.
Other therapies may include fabrication of an occlusal splint to prevent wear and tear on the joint. Improving the alignment of the upper and lower teeth and surgical options are available for advanced cases. After diagnosis, your otolaryngologist may suggest further consultation with your dentist and oral surgeon to facilitate effective management of TMJ dysfunction.
You have TMJ. Check it out on the web. If you do not have dental insurance there are mouthguards you can buy over the counter online. If you do have insurance, I suggest you see your dentist to get fitted for a brace for nighttime. This will GREATLY relieve your jaw/neck pain. It makes a huge difference. Good luck. One thing you may want to try until then is unisom so you can sleep more soundly.
Unfortunately the night guard is the way to stop the clenching and grinding. They do take some time to get use to. Try wearing it for about 15mins during the day and build up the tolerance to it.It may take you up to a month or so to get used to it. but it will benefit you in the long run.