Berkeley Parents Network: Teeth Clenching

Berkeley Parents Network

Teeth Clenching

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > Teeth Clenching

I'd really like to stop clenching my jaw
I clench my teeth while I sleep
Related page: Teeth Grinding
See also: Night Mouth Guard
More advice about teeth

I'd really like to stop clenching my jaw

June 2007

I clench my jaw at night (and might grind, don't know) and would REALLY like to stop. I have a night guard from my dentist which helps with the pain and hopefully minimizes negative effects on my teeth and gums. I tend to clench more/harder when I'm stressed. I want to get at the problem (ie. stress, not relaxing, etc), not the symptom (ie clenching my teeth). What can I do to stop? I'd be interested to hear if anyone has experience with hypnotherapy, acupuncture or other therapies. enough already

Saying positive affirmations can be very helpful, for example, ''My jaw is relaxed'', ''I am relaxed and peaceful.'' Saying them at the beginning of your day is helpful and if you notice yourself grinding, take a moment, center yourself and say the affirmation. Just by saying it in the morning and at night before going to bed is beneficial. You generally don't have to give it any more thought than that. I use affirmations to relax my jaw and it has helped greatly. You can do it! :-) sue

I clench my teeth while I sleep

August 2003

I clench my teeth while I sleep, and I know this is bad! My dentist has recommended getting a night guard, which I might do, but I'm wondering if anyone has any experience getting themselves to stop doing this? Has anyone tried acupuncture for this? If so, how long did it last before you started clenching again? I would be interested to learn any success stories, or horror stories that might convince me to get the night guard.

I know exactly what you're going through! Several years ago I was told that I needed a night guard because I was clenching and my teeth were wearing down. But the hygenist at my dentist's office gave me a tip: try biting (gently) on your tongue before you go to sleep. If you start to clench, you wake yourself up. But honestly, I don't remember ever waking up.. it just stopped me from clenching! I would generally notice myself start to clench when I slept on my side (which was most of the time), so when I'd roll onto my side, I'd put my tongue between my molars on that side, and go to sleep. It took a little practice, but I've had no problems - and no need for a night guard - since.. good luck! anon

Please keep in mind that any good voice teacher--for either the speaking or singing voice--will have a broad range of approaches to handling TMJ and related matters. People who use their voices professionally have a particular need to release the jaw and their teachers are usually prepared to deal with even serious cases. You can stop grinding your teeth and learn to use your voice better at the same time.

A tip to save you a lot of trouble: the side teeth should never touch. They may touch without harm when you swallow, but even then it's not really necessary. In a relaxed mouth, the teeth hang apart--they do not rest together as you see that set in your dentist's office doing. Let your teeth rest apart--that is, you can stop grinding your teeth, use your voice better and save yourself a face lift all at the same time. L. T. R.

I clenched my teeth at night very badly (chronically tense jaw, headaches, molars wearing down, etc). Since I got my night guard 10 years ago, I have experienced almost none of these symptoms. They work very well in my experience. It is difficult to get used to wearing it, but once you do, it's easy and routine. They are expensive, but last forever and it really pays off! Monique

When I was clenching my teeth and grinding them at night, my dentist taught me to do the following 3 times a day, so that when you clench your teeth, the body memory will automatically release them for you when you sleep.

clench your teeth as hard as you can for a slow count of 20. Then completely loosen and drop your jaw for a second slow count of 20. Repeat 10 times

I think I did it for five days, and the problem disappeared for me. nancy

I clench my teeth, too, and after reading some other posts here on the list about it, decided it was caused by stress and I made a conscious effort to stop being the news junkie I had become. No more news on TV every night before I go to sleep, for example. And only scanning the newspaper. It seems to have had a positive effect! no more pain

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