clenching jaws

[jfish]

Hear lately I have found myself clenching my jaws without realizing it untill they start to hurt. I was dz with M S in 2004 but I don't think I have had this problem until recently, think it may be related to my M S? Jfish

[marol]

SAVE YOUR TEETH

I've had MS since 1976 and I too clench my teeth. I found it to be more stress related. Recently had a mouth guard made at the dentist, it helps. Was very afraid of damaging other teeth. The guard seems to cushion the clench and alleviates any pain. So sorry to hear of your worries but they can be managed. Until you do........CHILL!

[SNOOPY]

Hi jfish,

My jaws were clenched pretty much every waking moment for quite some time. Mine was not MS related, but due to anxiety.

Take care

[jfish]

Thanks, there has been a lot of stress in my life this year.

[Irish.girl]

clenching jaw

I was also diagnosed with MS in 2004. Early in 2013 I began having jaw pain especially upon waking. It then progressed to increased headaches, neck, and shoulder muscle pain and stiffness, plus bouts of trouble swallowing from tight muscles. Some doctors, like an ENT and a facial pain specialist, say it could very well be related to MS related brain changes; however, the neurologist continues to note stable MRIs the past 2 years (thank goodness).

I did have four new lesions in fall 2012 before this began. Since it has been constant, intense, and worsening I'm having a difficult time not attributing it to MS. Perhaps as those four new lesions healed, there's some strange new pathway the nerves have created that disrupts normal muscular function. The only additional stress has been trying to figure out what this is and how to treat it.

Additionally, one night I woke up to rhythmically clenching my teeth. I found a research article that said rhythmic clenching may be caused by the central nervous system.

Jury is still out.

For now, I will be investing in the oral splints for sleeping as I have read that some clenchers break their teeth during sleep. Who can afford that?

Good luck to you in finding ways to manage and hopefully minimize its reoccurrence.
:-)

[MSLazarus]

Me too.....my clenching is sometimes grinding and can lead to root canal

The mouth guard my dentist's office made is helpful.
But, that was after the root canal. Ouch!

I wanted to say that my neurologist says there is not necessarily a connection between what the MRI shows and the state of your MS. My scans show nothing new but my progression is running along just fine...darn.
Linda

[Holly Golightly]

Ohhh, am I ever a teeth-clencher. I could win contests.

I've discovered that I do it in reaction to pain. I also think it is a direct cause of my tinnitis which sometimes gets quite loud after a good clenchfest.

[marti]

I recently started this clenching stuff. My dentist told me that when you grind or clench your teeth it makes them ALL hurt. My front teeth feel like they are being squeezed together, although sometimes I can see a little space between them.

I had periodontal disease last summer, got it cleaned up, and am having pain again. But it's a little different this time. The dentist feels like it's not the periodontal disease, but I'll have the hygienist take a look and do a good cleaning soon. This is awful pain.

Last night I had an hour or so of terrible mouth pain and my tongue was kind of burning. So some of this might be nerve pain. I do know that the meds me take can dry out our mouths, causing dental problems and pain.

[Jules A]

It can be caused by medications also.

[Waydwnsouth1]

I saw your post yesterday but didn't have time to respond at the moment.

I was clenching my jaws/teeth all day yesterday. I'm not sure I attribute it to MS though. I had high anxiety yesterday so I tend to think that was the source for the day.

Having said that I notice the "clenching" happening when I'm at home very relaxed watching TV. So it may be possible it's MS related. I've never mentioned it to my Neuro. Maybe when I go back in six months I'll remember to say something. I'll put it on my list.

[Tawanda]

I saw your post yesterday but didn't have time to respond at the moment.

I was clenching my jaws/teeth all day yesterday. I'm not sure I attribute it to MS though. I had high anxiety yesterday so I tend to think that was the source for the day.

Having said that I notice the "clenching" happening when I'm at home very relaxed watching TV. So it may be possible it's MS related. I've never mentioned it to my Neuro. Maybe when I go back in six months I'll remember to say something. I'll put it on my list.

I am definately an "anxiety clencher", although most of my anxiety stems from living with M.S., so I do blame is M.S. for my face starting to freeze in this position (note to self: relax face)!

[jlk9498]

I wear two night guards at night. One for my upper teeth and one for the lower...very sexy! But they work to stop heavy neck, facial and head pain. I have worn them for like 8 years and haven't slept a night without them, or I pay the next day.
I recommend a specialist who makes them professionally. I do not know if this is MS related....I never thought about it.......hummmmm.

[abcima]

Clenching jaw

I too have MS and have found that I do a lot of clenching of my jaw recently so I did got to a dentist and he made me a mouth piece I wear only at night. Takes a little while to get used to but I would suggest that you look at and consider what medicines or pills you take. Excederin because of the caffeine tends to make me clench more and a real culprit, though I won't give it up is Concerta. i take that for energy first thing in the morning so won't stop that. Stress is a big reason we are clenching so I al.so highly recommend meditation, exercise and trying to find time to relax more. Best of luck!
Amy