Is there a way to stop bruxism?!
Question: My dentist told me a long time ago that I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep, so I got an expensive mouthguard to wear at night so my teeth won't be further damaged.
Lately I've been experiencing terrible headaches, pain in my jaw and tension into my neck which I assume is cause by the grinding. Tylenol doesn't touch the pain. Is there anything I can do for this?
Answers: My dentist told me a long time ago that I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep, so I got an expensive mouthguard to wear at night so my teeth won't be further damaged.
Lately I've been experiencing terrible headaches, pain in my jaw and tension into my neck which I assume is cause by the grinding. Tylenol doesn't touch the pain. Is there anything I can do for this?
If the pain started with the nightguard, it's the nightguard stressing out your TMJ (tempero mandibular joint) and the related muscles. These muscles can go into spasm and the pain can affect your head, neck, shoulders and upper back. The nightguard may be too thick or not the right material for your situation. They are made out of hard, soft (flexible) or a combination of both materials. If your teeth and/ or jaw doesn't hurt in the morning when you first wake up (without wearing the mouthguard), you may not be bruxing at night. You might be doing it while you are awake. In that case the nightguard is worthless unless you wear it during the day hours. Stop wearing the nightguard for a couple of weeks. Use warm wet compresses on the painful muscle areas (never cold for this!!!). Take Advil for the pain for a few days and go on a soft diet for few days as well. No big pieces of food. No bagels and don't stretch your mouth wide open to see if it's better. If all this makes things better the mystery is solved.
After the pain is gone go to your dentist and have the nightguard checked.
You could show the mouth guard to your dentist. It may not work right due to wear.