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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
 Posted - 11/28/2007 : 11:10:32
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This isn't exactly to do with TMS, but I thought maybe some people on this board could help since teeth-grinding is stress-related and many of us are rather stressed people...
Anyway, I thought I had stopped grinding my teeth, but apparently I haven't, according to my boyfriend, even though the dentist didn't mention it at my last checkup.
Has anyone had success stopping tooth-grinding without dental intervention? Or had experience with nightguards, etc. that might be helpful?
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
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koukla
70 Posts |
Posted - 11/28/2007 : 12:41:02
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I used to wear a retainer after I had braces. It was the clear plastic kind that perfectly mold over your teeth. It was very uncomfortable and even painful at first and they had to trim the sides so they didn't jab me in the gums. My father wears a mouth gaurd at night to prevent grinding and it took him awhile to get used to it.
Have you tried doing some meditation/self hypnosis before bed. Nighttime is supposed to be when people are most suggestible and that might help relieve some stress. Plus, it feels nice.
Carolyn |
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painintheneck
USA
124 Posts |
Posted - 11/28/2007 : 12:50:02
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| Oh boy. I have been having teeth issues. I had one root canal and the start of another root canal all in the last week on the top, same side. Last nightI woke up IN PAIN clenching my teeth on the new sore root canal. |
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sensei adam rostocki
USA
167 Posts |
Posted - 11/28/2007 : 18:29:17
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I used to have this problem in addition to the other typical TMS complaints. I managed to grind away quite a bit before I got it under control. a classic TMS equivalent...
CURE-BACK-PAIN(dot)ORG |
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JohnD
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 11/28/2007 : 22:02:55
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I would have to disagree that this is a TMS equivalent.....
I think this is one of those things that may take care of itself as long as you continue with the emotional work. I think some sort of bite plate or mouth piece would help minimize damage to your teeth until you can conquer this. |
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cfhunter
119 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2007 : 19:57:04
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I got a night guard (after 5 fillings being replaced and grinding and clenching have caused 3 broken teeth) and it works GREAT. It covers only the front 8 teeth (top and bottom)and is acrylic. I don't even notice it nad have never had trouble with it at all.
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AnthonEE
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 08:09:00
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I too have been advised to wear a guard, and I did for a few days. Personally I don't really like it, so I gave it up. Dentist says I grind at night, but me and my girlfriend both swear that I do not. If I do, it is undoubtedly during stressful times. But all that aside, grinding can cause some really bad long term trouble for you if you don't get it under control.
The only thing I would say as devil's advocate, is if you do rely on the guard, then it indirectly encourages the grinding. Better to learn how to be ok without it if possible. So I agree with JohnD, wear it until you get the grinding under control. But probably a good idea to get it under control when all is said and done. Nobody would agree that sleeping with a plastic thing in your mouth is an ideal situation.
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 10:53:19
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Thanks for the input, all. I am planning to go next week and talk to my dentist about a guard. So far there are no obvious physical effects in my teeth, but I would like to be protected because routine dental work is quite enough expense. But the main reason I want to have it is to reduce the noise caused by grinding, which is a problem for my boyfriend.
In the meantime, I am practicing relaxing my jaw before I go to sleep, and during the day if I remember. I think it is helping; last night during one of my wakeups I noticed my jaw felt looser, so I probably wasn't grinding, even though I am feeling really stressed. By relaxing I'm trying to send my body the message "This is not how I express being stressed."
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
Edited by - armchairlinguist on 12/13/2007 10:54:11 |
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Teeth grinding
