Help I Need Advice And Reasurance

moon · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 32

I been having anxiety problems since jun05 when i had throat problems however IV always been a worrier. My throat is much better but
since then I have been having pains in my head and ear n jaw...I been to the dentist who said I probably clench my teeth whilst asleep and I have caught my self clenching during the daytime...
but I’m worried because I’ve had this problem for a 1 and a half year almost and it has become worse, I jus recently realized that it was due to clenching...after being prescribed numerous ear drops.
This clenching problem is turning out to be a huge nightmare as I cant stop my self from clenching in my sleep...I wake up every morning in pain, I have a fear that wet if all my teeth fall out due to clenching every night...I haven’t been able to eat properly for 2 weeks as pain is at its worse, which is a real problem as it is interfering with breastfeeding my baby.
I can easily control clenching during the day but when I’m asleep its impossible. Sad

I don’t know wot to do now I’m feeling so upset and helpless...what can I do to help me get out of this habit.
I cant stop worrying sometimes I get these thoughts that wet if the pain isn’t caused by clenching how can something like this cause immense pain, and wot if I have something seriously wrong.
Does anyone have any advice or has anyone else had this problem...I need reassurance. I would b very grateful
thank you

joung · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 46

I think you should talk to the dentist and maybe they can make a special plaque for you to have in your mouth. Sorry, I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s a special thing that you have in your mouth while you sleep, it has the mark of all your teeth and you use it while sleeping. It keeps the teeth resting and separated from each other (upper and lower jaws) so they won’t clench.
I would also suggest relaxation and meditation techniques, but I would go and talk to the dentist first!

mablisaki · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 21

I’ve heard that teeth clenching is actually a common problem for those with anxiety, worse at night. there are special made mouth guards just for that problem!

pope · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 36

I was ill over summer and ended up with a Head infection in my ears and nose which has left me with Tinnitus in both ears, if your getting ringing my Doc gave me some great advice about tearing up strips of paper and rustling them next too you ear for relief.
About the stress you have vied had similar worries about my health and like Jackie said too me your dentist would have spotted it had there been something. I think what someone earlier was suggesting about a plaque for your teeth he meant a mouth guard, you can pick them up from any old sports store and that is in fact one of the reasons Rugby players use them as when you go for a tackle many bracing for impact clench their teeth which causes damage too jaw and Brain (in rare Cases) as the shockwave isn’t dispersed properly. The Mouthguard may well help and might be worth a try.