Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum

Teeth Grinding

DaebunzDaebunz Registered User regular
edited July 2010 in Help / Advice Forum
Every now and then, when I wake up in the morning the left side of my jaw feels almost locked in place. If I try to open my mouth, I have to force it and it makes this godawful clicking noise. It's infrequent, but it happens occasionally.

I explained this to my dentist the other day, and she thinks it might be a result of grinding my teeth in my sleep and I should get a nightguard. She explained that the special, custom fitted one would run me 350$ (which I really don't have), or I could try a cheaper over-the-counter one that might give me some relief, but won't be as effective. I went with that option for now, and am currently using a 40$ one that supposedly lasts about 6 months.

My problem now is the lockup never really happened frequently enough for me to even tell if I'm getting any benefit from this thing. Does that mean it might not be as severe as I thought? Maybe I don't need it? And are the expensive versions of the guards worth it? I assume they last much longer then the one I have but I didn't really get the details on it aside from cost that day.

Other than it can be bad for the teeth in the long run I'm pretty unfamiliar with the subject, so any info would be helpful.

7yh4xczljsym.png
Daebunz on

Posts

  • ceresceres When the last moon is cast over the last star of morning And the future has past without even a last desperate warningRegistered User, Moderator Mod Emeritus
    edited July 2010
    If it was frequent enough to bother you then you should keep wearing the cheap one till it happens again. If it doesn't happen again, you know it's working. If it does, you can go back to her for more options or try the better nightguard.

    ceres on
    And it seems like all is dying, and would leave the world to mourn
  • DaebunzDaebunz Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, that's probably the best way. Depending on how long the better one lasts that might be cheaper in the long run as opposed to 40 bucks every 6 months.

    Daebunz on
    7yh4xczljsym.png
  • RayzeRayze Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I have the same problem though my jaw has never locked in place (I have had the clicking). I went to the dentist who recommended the same thing but like you, I don't have the money to get the custom one. The over the counter guard didn't work for me at all but I suggest you try it anyway. You may have better luck


    What also helps for the pain and/or tension is opening your mouth slightly and then using your fingers to massage your jaw. Use your pointer and middle fingers, massage the jaw area in a circular motion and then drag your fingers down along the jawline. Do that for maybe 5-10 minutes and then every time you think you need it

    Rayze on
  • OnTheLastCastleOnTheLastCastle let's keep it haimish for the peripatetic Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I had this quite frequently but it involves waking up with a headache on the side of my neck and behind that side eye. I wear a guard (getting worn out) from the dentist and I take unisom which seems to really help my muscles relax. Been taking 1-2 nightly for, sheesh, maybe 2 years or so. The doctor said it's fine to keep taking it if it works. Helps me fall asleep too so that's a bonus.

    OnTheLastCastle on
  • AldoAldo Hippo Hooray Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I have this when I'm stressed. I've been stressed a lot in the past uh 4 years. I never thought much of it besides another physical indication that I am stressed. Is it really Something Very Worrisome? I've got regular check ups with my dentist and he never mentioned anything, even though I had some cavities on the tops of my teeth.

    A nightguard looks really uncomfortable and ridiculous on the pictures on Google, is it better IRL?

    Aldo on
  • OnTheLastCastleOnTheLastCastle let's keep it haimish for the peripatetic Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    It doesn't bother me at all. It's just a mouthguard. You kind of stop noticing it after a bit. But I sleep with it, earplugs and a little sleep mask covering my eyes too now. Basically, I wish I was in a sensory deprivation chamber. So YMMV.

    OnTheLastCastle on
  • ThePantsAssociationThePantsAssociation A million could-be years on a thousand may-be worldsRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    If you're anything like me, you'll mutilate an over-the-counter mouth guard after a week or two. But they do work in a pinch.

    A dentist-fitted mouth guard will be much smaller more comfortable to have in your mouth while you sleep. Some can also help correct the jaw against nighttime clenching and grinding.

    ThePantsAssociation on
  • cabsycabsy the fattest rainbow unicorn Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Aldo wrote: »
    I have this when I'm stressed. I've been stressed a lot in the past uh 4 years. I never thought much of it besides another physical indication that I am stressed. Is it really Something Very Worrisome? I've got regular check ups with my dentist and he never mentioned anything, even though I had some cavities on the tops of my teeth.

    A nightguard looks really uncomfortable and ridiculous on the pictures on Google, is it better IRL?

    Grinding your teeth can cause lots of issues, the abnormal wear can lead to cavities or cracking your teeth.

    cabsy on
Sign In or Register to comment.
Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum