Easing the Pain of Bruxism?!
Question: Easing the Pain of Bruxism!?
I grind and clench my teeth at night and I have some serious jaw pain today!. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to ease this!? Its insane!.
AND, I do not have dental insurance so I cannot go to the dentist!. (My husband and I are in the process of moving to another city, which will be completed by Sunday, and neither of us will have jobs for at least a week after moving, so I'm not sure that dentists will take me right away anyway)!. My nightguard has not been helping!. It kind of takes the edge off the pressure, but, clearly my face still aches like crazy!.
No idea how to destress, then again, I grind my teeth even in non-stressful times!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
AND, I do not have dental insurance so I cannot go to the dentist!. (My husband and I are in the process of moving to another city, which will be completed by Sunday, and neither of us will have jobs for at least a week after moving, so I'm not sure that dentists will take me right away anyway)!. My nightguard has not been helping!. It kind of takes the edge off the pressure, but, clearly my face still aches like crazy!.
No idea how to destress, then again, I grind my teeth even in non-stressful times!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Some TMJ self help:
Get exercise - stress really can build up in the body & cause all kinds of troubles!. You mentioned your stressed!. Go work out good & hard (just don't hurt yourself)!. It may take a few times but you will process your stess physically!.
Avoid opening your mouth wide - stifle yawns, avoid Subway type sandwiches or really big burgers!.
No sticky chewy candies - gum is a big no-no! caramels, starburst!. That repetitive chewing motion can be trouble!.
Avoid caffeine, even to the point of cutting back on chocolate (it has caffeine in it too)
Take anti-inflammatories like Advil!. (**a trick I learned from a general dentist I worked for was that when the pain was bad, to alternate 2 x-tra str!. Tylenol, then after 2 hours take 2/200mg Advils and so on - these have a synergistic effect and can help for pain like a Tylenol w/ codeine - just not the narcotic effect!. That said, I'm NOT A DR!. Use this info at your own risk)!.
Keep using that nightguard!.
Alternate moist heat & cold packs on the TM joint!.
My own 2 cents - have your hubby give you massages!
Good luck with your move, good luck with the job hunt!.
I hope you feel better soon!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Get exercise - stress really can build up in the body & cause all kinds of troubles!. You mentioned your stressed!. Go work out good & hard (just don't hurt yourself)!. It may take a few times but you will process your stess physically!.
Avoid opening your mouth wide - stifle yawns, avoid Subway type sandwiches or really big burgers!.
No sticky chewy candies - gum is a big no-no! caramels, starburst!. That repetitive chewing motion can be trouble!.
Avoid caffeine, even to the point of cutting back on chocolate (it has caffeine in it too)
Take anti-inflammatories like Advil!. (**a trick I learned from a general dentist I worked for was that when the pain was bad, to alternate 2 x-tra str!. Tylenol, then after 2 hours take 2/200mg Advils and so on - these have a synergistic effect and can help for pain like a Tylenol w/ codeine - just not the narcotic effect!. That said, I'm NOT A DR!. Use this info at your own risk)!.
Keep using that nightguard!.
Alternate moist heat & cold packs on the TM joint!.
My own 2 cents - have your hubby give you massages!
Good luck with your move, good luck with the job hunt!.
I hope you feel better soon!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I work in the dental field and the only thing I can think of would be to take a muscle relaxer!. If it doesn't get better you will have to see your dentist, especially if your night guard is not helping!. I do know that if you are stressed it can become worse!. Maybe the move has something to do with it and hopefully it will settle as you settle!?!? I wish I could be more help!. Just try to relax as much as you can!. I would still wear you night guard though!. Hope you feel better soon!Www@Answer-Health@Com
I bought one of these from my dentist - it was less than $200 and REALLY worth it!. I wanted to replace my nightguard and he said this was a definite step up:
http://www!.nti-tss!.com/
Try also meditation and massage!.
Best of luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com
http://www!.nti-tss!.com/
Try also meditation and massage!.
Best of luck!Www@Answer-Health@Com