OT: GNASHING OF TEETH

[JungRebel]

Does anyone else grind their teeth together at night? Is a mouthpiece a viable option?

 

[Dawgbite]

My wife used to and used a mouthpiece for awhile. She eventually quit doing it and hasn't used a mouth guard in years, I guess she grew out of it. Grinding your teeth plays hell on your teeth over time. You being a Rebel, I always figured you as a Mouth Breather. I kid, I kid!

 

[Shmuley]

Use a mouthpiece liberally. Just remember to not sit there with your mouth totally agape as if you're seeing something so shocking and abhorrent that your teeth may fall out.

 

[aTotal360]

Get a better conscience.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Yep. Dentist recommended it for me when I got my dental implant nearly two years ago.

 

[Spotdawg]

My dentist recommended one for me too....

Does anyone else grind their teeth together at night? Is a mouthpiece a viable option?

It was obvious that jaw joint issues and work stress were doing a number on my teeth at night. Started off with the molded harder plastic mouthpieces--went through them in a matter of weeks. Ended up going to a newer technology called NTI. It fits on the front teeth where weaker muscles are used rather than the back teeth and their super muscular grinding power. Changed my life and relieved a lot of my problems with tension headaches.

Not all dentists know about them and they are a little pricey -- but worth every penny.

 

[Augustus McCrae]

Yes, I use one regularly. I recommend the DenTek brand. I've had the most success with it.

http://www.dentek.com/maximum-protection

Your dentist can custom make one for you but it will be pricey. However, they are more durable than the one I linked above.

 

[ShrubDog]

Does anyone else grind their teeth together at night? Is a mouthpiece a viable option?

Got Freeze syndrome, that sucks man.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

My wife does and her jaw has recently started popping when she eats. Bout a mouth guard and it seems to be doing better.

 

[aTotal360]

Evidently this is the new "red meat allergy". Had no idea this was a thing. Hell, maybe I do it. How do I check???

 

[tatedog]

Before checking into a mouthpiece, see a doctor and get checked for sleep apnea. If you don't have sleep apnea, the mouthpiece is pretty much your best option.

 

[saltslugs]

Your dentist will let you know

Mine was pretty bad and my dentist could easily tell (and he showed me) that I was damaging my teeth.

Evidently this is the new "red meat allergy". Had no idea this was a thing. Hell, maybe I do it. How do I check???

 

[tatedog]

Evidently this is the new "red meat allergy". Had no idea this was a thing. Hell, maybe I do it. How do I check???

It's almost impossible to tell without getting a sleep study done. Most of the grinding happens before the brain fully wakes up from deep sleep, so it usually goes undetected. Unexplained headaches that fall into a pattern are one of the few physical symptoms. --and also what saltslugs said... if its severe enough your teeth will show it enough for a dentist to see it.

 

[saltslugs]

I used to do it so badly that it would wake me up. I literally would just chomp down in the middle of the night. I think for me it started when I got a crown and my teeth were a bit uneven, so, I had trouble resting with my teeth together.

Anyways, I wear a mouthguard and it is no trouble at all. I recommend getting one because it can certainly help your teeth and you may sleep better.

 

[JungRebel]

Sleep apnea runs in my family. Does snoring have anything to do with teeth grinding or should I just make sure I'm breathing alright before using a mouthpiece?

I found out I did it from the dentist when I woke up missing some of a molar.

 

[JungRebel]

In times like that I worry more about the strain my eyes require.

 

[tatedog]

If sleep apnea is in your family and you KNOW you grind your teeth, it's pretty likely you have it. See a doctor. If you treat the apnea you won't need the mouth guard, and in fact shouldn't use one as it could be dangerous.

 

[JungRebel]

Thanks, I did not know the two were related.

 

[tatedog]

If I remember correctly you work nights... if you've noticed a recent uptick in the problem, daytime sleepiness/fatigue go hand in hand with these issues. Not sure there is any correlation or just a lot of overlap among a lot of different sleep issues. It's in my family as well, so I've seen a lot of different combinations.

 

[tatedog]

This is totally an old wives tale, but I was told that if you often have dreams of loose teeth or teeth falling out, it's a big sign of bruxism. Or you could just be from Arkansas.

 

[JungRebel]

Yes, and fatigue is a problem along with only being able to get 4-5 hours some days (I assume those related). I'll do some more reading, thanks for the info.

 

[Junction John]

I have the 4-5 hour per night issue too & let me add one more thing to consider

Yes, and fatigue is a problem along with only being able to get 4-5 hours some days (I assume those related). I'll do some more reading, thanks for the info.

Another thing that some people say leads to teeth grinding is dehydration. If you're not drinking a lot of water (or sometimes too much soda, etc. instead of water) during the day, this seems to be a related issue. If you're busy or overtired, sometimes you want caffeine to keep you going. I used to do that, so I wasn't "thirsty", and I would just basically forget to drink water. Just something to try.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

I sleep with a toothpick. Not really sure why. Not that this helps your problem, just thought I'd share.

 

[aTotal360]

Gawd almighty I just LOLed. I can see Ol Possum doing exact that.

 

[RocketDawg]

In your mouth? Isn't that dangerous?

 

[CochiseCowbell]

In your mouth? Isn't that dangerous?

Nah, in my rectum. Rectum? Damn near killed him!**

Yes, in my mouth. Dangerous? Probably, but so is crossing the street. Only once, over a decade ago, in an apartment just up from Lil Dooey, did I have a mishap: I awoke to find it sticking out of the palm of my hand. 99% of the time it's where I left it when I wake up.

Word to the wise though, if any of you are tempted to try to be as cool as me, learn to kiss around it & put it behind your ear if things get hot & heavy. You're welcome.

 

[Indndawg]

Using since 1991. STress-related. Dentist fits mine, football mouthpiece retains too much saliva at night...doesn't work.
Dentist-made usually last about 5 years. Dental covers 80%, well worth it.

 

[missouridawg]

Sleep apnea runs in my family. Does snoring have anything to do with teeth grinding or should I just make sure I'm breathing alright before using a mouthpiece?

I found out I did it from the dentist when I woke up missing some of a molar.

I use a upper mouth piece when I sleep to fight grinding my teeth. And no clue on your snoring issues or what may be causing them.... but I had my tonsils removed in August and I haven't snored since. My wife is very happy, as I was a heavy snorer previously.