How can I stop clenching my jaw?
Asked by
rowenaz (
2436
)
August 1st, 2009
I am constantly clenching my teeth. Is there anything I can do to stop this? The dentist told me that the enamel is flaking off my teeth because of it…
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6 Answers
It’s called “bruxing”, and sometimes it’s caused by anxiety. Some people brux at night, and sometimes the shearing forces are so hard that a tooth can fracture. Your dentist can have a rubbery mold made for you to wear to protect your teeth at night, but for daytime bruxing you may wish to consult a psychotherapist. I know that sounds dire, but nowadays it really isn’t: there is brief, focused therapy to address these individual issues, and one can get relief in 6 to 8 weeks of treatment.
Yeah, well :)% ....
been in therapy ALL my life, so it could be worse, if all I am doing is bruxing and haven’t killed anyone!!
Okay, well, I’m IN therapy and brux during the day….any other advice? I can ask the dentist about the mold, and I’l ask if it’s something I would wear during the day…
You wouldn’t be able to talk!
The mold keeps your mouth open?
No, it’s like a double-sided slab with custom-fitted slots for your bottom teeth on one side, and your top teeth on the other side, so you bite into it, and it fits snugly on all your teeth and keeps your jaw from moving.
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