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Is my anxiety making me grind my teeth?

Posted , 4 users are following.

jack57270
jack57270

Hi, over the last few weeks I have noticed I seem to be clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth. Is this just my anxiety? Or have I always been doing it and only noticed now? My jaw used to always crack whenever I opened it, and is starting to crack again. Is it TMJ? I haven't been to the doctor about it, also, my mother has the same problem so could it be hereditary?

Thanks, Jack

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 jack57270

    Posted

    Maybe best to go and see a dentist or a maxillary surgeon and get a tmj exam. Before you go ..call and be sure they are tmj knowledgable. Way easier then guessing. Tmj can and does cause many strange and uncomfortable symptoms.
    • jack57270
      jack57270 lisalisa67

      Posted

      I am planning to go to the dentist for just a check up, and possibly the hygienist also, I will ring ahead before I go, Thanks
  • thomas96833
    thomas96833 jack57270

    Posted

    Hello Jack,

    I have actually just been to see a dentist about this. It sounds like anxiety, but when stressed you tend to grind or clench your teeth in sleep, often you won't notice. I was waking up with horrible tension headaches because of it!.

    Whenever I yawn as well, I was getting that cracking and popping noise, It's tension apparently and TMJ although it's nothing to worry about, it's worse when stressed! I have broken a toohth beause of it rolleyes

    My dentist has reccomended a night time guard to prevent further damage. It should ease the tension as well and stop the headaches / jaw ache all day!

     

    • helen20833
      helen20833 thomas96833

      Posted

      My son had exactly the same thing! The dentist also recommended a night time guard.
    • jack57270
      jack57270 thomas96833

      Posted

      I haven't gotten headaches, but I do get a mild ache in my ears every now and again, I'm going to te dentist as soon as I get aan appointment, Thanks for replying

    • thomas96833
      thomas96833 jack57270

      Posted

      Have you ever got dizziness at all?.

      The dentist also mentioned it could be wisdom tooth related. I labelled everything with anxiety and refused to take AD's for it, but was glad of a trip to the dentist (avoided them for years!)

    • jack57270
      jack57270 thomas96833

      Posted

      No I don't have dizziness, only if I stand up too quickly ( however I think everyone has this). The last time I was at the dentist, she said my teeth were perfect ( except for having to get them cleaned by the hygienist.) I had ti get a filling on one of the teeth right beside one of my wisdom teeth also. Other than that, everything was perfect.

  • kimberly59704
    kimberly59704 jack57270

    Posted

    This is a nevous habbit, and it will make your jaw ache. Once we start a nervous habbit, it's so hard to stop. Try to catch yourself,and stop. Good like!!

  • borderriever
    borderriever jack57270

    Posted

    If you are stressed people can clasp and grinde their teeth, this of course can cause damage to the enamel  o the tooth and somtimes loosen fillings, It also keeps people awake at nights.

    Talk to your dentist, there are ways I understand to protect the teeth it is an appliance that fits over the top of the teeth

    I do not thing grinding teeth is genetic.

    Good Luck

    BOB

  • LFCste
    LFCste jack57270

    Posted

    grinding the teeth is one of many symptoms to anxiety do it myself when i'm asleep have bitten my lip a couple of times aswell how do I know what I do when i'm asleep I hear you ask lol the wife kindly tells mecheesygrin   

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