Stress Center Peer Support

For about the last month I've been waking up with really bad headaches. I finally came to realize it's because I'm having very vivid dreams, and they're causing me to clinch my jaw.

When I went to my dentist recently, he told me if this doesn't stop before my next check-up, he will fit me for a mouthguard.

This week I went to my massage therapist and she worked on my jaw alone for 40 mins.! Does anyone else have this problem? What else can I do? HELP!

fischee

Yes, I was given a mouth guard for TMJ ... I don't like how it feels so I don't really wear it. I try not to eat after 7 or watch anything that would cause any scary dreams. Its better now. Try and read or do something relaxing before bed as well.

I have had a bite splint for 25 years. Try to wear it, you will adjust to the feel. Practice for short periods of time. There are some exercises you can do for your jaw. If you notice yourself tensing you jaw, relax or chew gum to move the muscles.

What kind of exercises?

Moist heat also helps and try to keep your jaw relaxed during the day time. I was also clenching my jaw and teeth in the day time and didn't even realize it until my jaw specialist saw me doing this and asked me if I was doing this all day long! I guess I was and didn't even know it. My regular DDS says he puts some of his patients on valium to relax the muscles for a few days. Also- some antidepressants will cause you to have some pretty vivid dreams. Prozac did this to me when I was taking it.

my doc had me go out and buy a cheap mouthguard for football (hehe, as i am an older lady), and told me my earpain was tmj/clenching. it has helped ALOT. can get cheap mouthguards at sporting goods places.