Teeth grinding at night

aippolito1

So a few nights this week, my bf has woken me up by the sound of him grinding his teeth. He just started doing this probably in the last 2 weeks, he never did it before. I know it's probably from stress because he just paid off his property tax and then has school taxes he has to pay but it's kind of annoying being woken up to this every night...and not to mention, he has great looking teeth and he doesn't like taking medicine so if he starts to get headaches (like I know this can cause - my brother used to grind at night), I don't want him to have to live with that pain. I don't think he'll wear a night guard... is there anything I can do to help him kick this habit?

kerrilucko

I do that too. The only solution I know of is a mouth guard. I really should start wearing one. Does he sleep on his back? If not get him to try that, I seem to do it less when I sleep on my back because my jaw goes kind of slack in that position.

ckmama

Try to help him relax as much as possible if it has been brought on by stress. I used a night guard (just a football players guard) recommened by my dentist because I was getting headaches and tooth enamel issues from it.

I don't know if there is too much you can do if it is brought on by stress. Just try to help him with the things you can help to take some of the stress off.

Mellie13

Yeah, night guard is the only solution. There are really small and unobstrusive ones available,though.

ka_42

I occasionally have a problem with this and I had a custom mouth guard made at the dentist- I know this can get really pricey but mine was only $20. It's best to shop around! It isn't horribly uncomfortable to wear at night- it's almost soothing when my teeth/jaw are sore. It will take quite awhile before it really starts harming his teeth but you can pretty much scrape off your enamel by grinding. (I used to work in a dentist office and I overheard a dr saying that!) Good luck!

aippolito1

Oie vey. Thanks so much, guys! I haven't even told him yet about the grinding because I barely see him and I don't want to just text him "O hai, u grind ur teeth @ nite" lol. I'm going to bring it up tonight and see if he'll get a mouth guard.

thumper44

I used to grind my teeth ALOT.
Many mornings I woke up and my jaws/teeth were sore. I knew I was grinding that night, and my OH said it was so loud sometimes. I 've purposely tried to grind my teeth when I was awake to duplicate the noise. I have no idea what it sounds like.

I had a mouth guard. I cracked it, and didn't bother go get another one fearing the same thing would happen.
I don't believe I grind anymore In the last year or so, I forgot about it to be honest, no sore jaw/teeth in the morning. I'll have to ask my OH if she still hears me grinding. Maybe after doing exercises, or maybe after I finally did my taxes :laugh:

If he's constantly thinking at night about the taxes, etc. Perhaps get him to write down stuff problems/solutions. So he doesn't go to bed thinking about it.

JJRunning

My boyfriend was just told by his dentist that he does that / should stop! I always knew it better never said anything! I'm sure it was related to work stress... he wears a mouth guard now (it's clear... from Target... can with a plastic case). It's SO much better! He sleeps better... and best of all... he doesn't wake me up:laugh:

aippolito1

If he's constantly thinking at night about the taxes, etc. Perhaps get him to write down stuff problems/solutions. So he doesn't go to bed thinking about it.

That's a good idea. I've been doing all I can to relieve his stress and try to ease his mind...but it all comes down to his decision to worry about it or not. And he says I'm the worrier!!! :happy:

I really hope he will get the mouth guard. If not, I may have to get earplugs.

ka_42

lol Arielle! I have earplugs because my boyfriend plays the drums (LOUD)! They are a must have for me!

leavinglasvegas

A night gaurd is the best solution to protect his teeth. I worked in dental for 10 years and have TMD. I've tried tons of remedies and heard tons of doctors lectures. Everyone from a general dentist to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Massage! No need to splurge for a therapist. Look on youtube for some TMJ massages, head and neck massages, and even shoulder and back massages. The Indian Head Massage is great for this! You can take turns on each other before bedtime. This will realx his muscles and help them stay relaxed during sleep and improve circulation. Plus its great bonding.

2. Try a chirpractic pillow. Proper support of the head and neck will also relieve stress to the muscles.

3. Use lipstick to draw a straight line on a mirror. The patient loks at themselves in the mirror and lines up the mid-line of the upper and lower teeth to the line on the mirror. Now open and close slowly concentrating on keeping the midline on the lipstick line. This will exercize the jaw muscles and strengthen them to keep the joints from sliding. (Something that can happen from continuous grinding)

4. Reduce stress during the day. I know, its imposible for some. Best thing to do is talk it out. Try to go to bed with a clear head. Also making sure the bedroom is completely dark, a comfortable temp, and no electronics will induce a deeper sleep. The deeper the sleep, the better we can handle daily stress and let it go.

5. A mouth gaurd of course. It sould be soft enough to absorb the pressure of grinding, but not so soft he can bite through it.

Hope that helps some!