Digest Number 2311 - Stacey Teeth Grinding

July 24, 2003

I had my own experience with TMJ. I was grinding as well, went to the dentist and he said to put a warm wash cloth on my jaw area before bed. Than he proceeded to tell that I had 3 cracked moulers and that those needed to be capped. Well I am very protective of my teeth so that didn't fly well with me. I went to another dentist and thank god I did. He told me that NONE of my moulers were cracked!! He than proceeded to look for the cause of my grinding and took some of that film that leaves a residue on the teeth when placed in the mouth and leaves the residue once the teeth are clenched and rubbed together. He saw one place that was "higher" or first to make contact when my jaw/teeth are touching. So he ground off that spot to allow for a more even bite. Low and behold that was my problem.. I think though from my experience that it takes an honest dentist to tell you the truth, meaning being honest about a true diagnosis. The dentist that helped me said this is the problem with most TMJ sufferers and that the secondary problems are the tight neck, jaw etc... Dentists will try to tell you that is the first indication of having TMJ therefore wanting to take your money by doing all the other BS. As a result I have very little faith in the dental industy as well. I'm thankful I found the dentist I did and he can take my cash anytime.

Pam::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::@:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

>Sylvia

>Stacey, > >I have had TMJ for years, and from time to time grind. > >One of the biggest factors is stress. Most of us have it, and the ones that have it the worst are the last to admit it! if you cant get rid of it in life, at least look at ways to minimize this at bed time. maybe some aroma therapy like a bath just before bed or praying or meditating just before laying down. I try to have a relaxing shower and a drop of essential oil just before bed along with some tea. This usually mellows me out a bit. > >Second check into getting a night guard. They really help reduce the stress on your jaw, therby saving your teeth, the insides of your cheeks and also headaches! > >If you have more questions you can mail me offline and i'd be happy to share more (i'm on digest mode and dont even check all the messages since there have been so many!) > >Sylvia >

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July 27, 2003

Getting a mouthgard is easy. I got mine at WalMart for less than $3.00. In the sports section of the store where they sold football helmets.

I've also seen them at TOYSRUS.

SheilaStacey <sungoddess94 wrote:

Thanks Sylvia...stress could be a factor although Idon't feel stressed. However it's only started upagain recently and I have a lot going on. I'll trythe aromatherapy and see if that helps. I'll lookinto getting a night guard. Can you get thisanywhere? My hubby said that he thought that themouth pieces you get in the sporting goods sectionwould work just as well...what do you think?Stacey--- Sylvia <h10feet wrote:> Stacey,> > I have had TMJ for years, and from time to time> grind.> > One of the biggest factors is stress. Most of us> have it, and the ones that have it the worst are the> last to admit it! if you cant get rid of it in> life, at least look at ways to minimize this at bed> time.

maybe some aroma therapy like a bath just> before bed or praying or meditating just before> laying down. I try to have a relaxing shower and a> drop of essential oil just before bed along with> some tea. This usually mellows me out a bit.> > Second check into getting a night guard. They> really help reduce the stress on your jaw, therby> saving your teeth, the insides of your cheeks and> also headaches!> > If you have more questions you can mail me offline> and i'd be happy to share more (i'm on digest mode> and dont even check all the messages since there> have been so many!)> > Sylvia