Question:
I have had FM/CFS for one year this month. Recently I have noticed I
clench my teeth and have to relax the jaw. Evidently I clench during my
sleep, because I awoke with severe pain in the jaw and a jaw tooth was
broken.
Has anyone experienced this?
Answer:
Yes, both my DH and I have this problem. We both went to the dentist and
he made bite guards for us. I only have to wear mine at night, but my hubby
wears his during the day also, whenever he notices that he is clenching his
teeth. I would advise you to go to your dentist also, as a lot of damage
can occur if not treated. My DH has a severe case of TMJ as a result of his
clenching.
We find our selves tensing even from little pains in antisipation of them
getting worst. Something to do with our fight or flight insticts. I
spend a good part of the day doing jaw exercises and correcting my
unconcious clenching. The clenching of the jaw also makes the throat sore
and head and neck hurt more. This is redundent but try not to clench.
About clenching teeth
My neurologist says to get a mouth guard at the sports store of your
choice. The ones for kids playing fooitball or soccor etc. They are
cheap and a quick fix. I haven't had time to get one yet.
I have had FMS for 14 years and CFIDS for over 1
year. Only recently have I been bothered by waking with jaw ? ear pain from
clenching my teeth at night. One night it was so severe I had trouble eating
breakfast due to the jaw pain. The pain seems to last several days in the form
of soreness. I thought for a while it was a tooth problem but now feel it is
another symptom of this DD!
I to clench my teeth in my sleep, in fact, I also grind my teeth.
I went to the dentist yesterday because my doctor wanted TMJ diagnosed.
Anyways, according to my dentist, by clenching and grinding your teeth at
night, or during the day to, can cause a series of other symptoms, such as
lock jaw, dizziness, various types of ear pain, ringing in the ears, teeth
pain, migraines, etc.
The more severe the symptoms, include your jaw popping right out of place, the
more likelihood of TMJ.
Supposedly, I clench and grind my teeth enough that I now have to be fitted
with a mouth guard for my lower teeth for night time.
Hopefully, this will help ease some of the other symptoms caused by it.
Unfortunately, it is very common in Fibro for us to do this and not much we can
do about stopping it on our own either.
