Clenching teeth - how to stop

[Marijn]

How can I stop clenching my teeth? I don't mean to do it. When I realise I'm clenching my teeth, I pull down my lower jaw and try to relax, but very soon Im clenching my teeth again :-(. I wake up clenching my teeth and it gives me a neck ache too. I had acupuncture in the week to try to relax me, but although it was good at the time, nothing's changed. I'd appreciate any tips. Thank you.

[tamirra]

I clench and grind every night, i have done for many years, mine is due to stress, ive had mouth guards made, a soft one and also a hard one, neither helped, as the soft one was like silicone and made me bite onto it more, and the hard one was so uncomfortable it shifted my teeth to the side and made them very sensitive, i was put on Dothiopin which is a muscle relaxant at night, it did work and i was on it for many years but i found it still was working during the day and i couldnt wake up, so now i just take a Syndol occasionally which also relaxes your muscles as it is mainly used for tension headaches, but you must not take every night due to addiction.

[Marijn]

Thank you Daffy and Tamirra, I might try the Syndol for it. I'm not on any painkillers.

[tamirra]

notafish did you try syndol??

[Marijn]

Hi Tamirra, thanks for asking. I haven't had the Syndol yet, but I will. I was getting less stressed, but quite a few stressful things have happened since. I did buy some.They have caffiene in them, so I'll take one or two in the morning.

[tamirra]

Dont take them during the day, thats what i did and couldnt keep awake, best to take an hour before going to bed, and i wouldnt take 2 only one or even a half will work. Let me know. x x

[Marijn]

I took two today and they did help. I am over sensitive to caffiene, so that's why I didn't take them at night. I will try just taking one tomorrow if I'm still stressed.Thank you very much. :-)

[tamirra]

Glad to hear they helped you, i wouldnt be without mine, i always keep a pack in incase i get stressed and i know i will grind, im surprised you didnt fall asleep in the day tho like i did, but thats good news for you if it helps. x x

[Marijn]

I typed an answer and it disappeared. So I'll try again. I didn't notice that they make me feel sleepy. Caffiene makes me feel hyperactive. But it would be lovely if they made me feel sleepy. I'll definitely use them again, and I'll be careful not to get addicted. Thanks for your help :-)

[tamirra]

Your the only person i know who takes them without feeling sleepy afterwards, i wonder why this is.

[Marijn]

When I take them again, I'll let you know if I get sleepy. Thanks.

[jd_here]

Have you tried taking them out at night?

[Marijn]

Silly sod