Teeth Jaw Clenching Ask The Dentist Questions about Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) in the Dental Health Library

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FAQ: Teeth Grinding

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Teeth Grinding Clenching Corinne Scalzitti

Question:
Clenching Jaw at Night: I have had a problem with nighttime jaw clenching for the past 7+ years that seems to be getting worse.

I have a great deal of trouble sleeping and, when I do sleep, I never awaken refreshed, but very fatigued as if I hadn't slept at all. I also suffer from frequent headaches and mild jaw pain.

When I awaken in the morning, I can tell I have been clenching my jaw because my teeth feel like they've been pressed upon. I had a mouthpiece at one point that didn't really work that well.

Whom do I see regarding this issue? A dentist, a medical doctor, an orthodontist? Help! I don't know where to seek the proper help ...Visitor from OR

Answer:
Sounds like you have lots of problems. I would recommend that you see a dentist.

He or she may recommend a muscle relaxant like Skelaxin, Valium or Flexeril. This and a soft diet for a few weeks can break the cycle of pain that you have been experiencing.

You will also need an appliance, maybe a hard night guard to keep you from clenching at night. There are also clenching suppression devices called NTI (nociceptive trigeminal inhibition) or NTI-tss.

Since your condition is so chronic, it may take a while to find relief.

Your dentist may also refer you to an orthodontist. Sometimes the alignment of the teeth will cause people to clench.

Good luck with this. You might research the internet for a dentist who likes to treat TMJ patients.

Corinne Scalzitti, DMD, MAGD
Austin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
3900 RR 620 South
Austin, Texas TX 78738
(512) 263-3330

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