Ever since I was a teenager I've noticed that I clench my jaw really hard sometimes. I don't even realize I'm doing it until my jaw gets really sore. Is there anything I can do about this? Maybe like a bite plate or mouth guard or something? And would I see a regular doc for this or a dentist?

This sounds like bruxism (sp?) to me, which is teeth clenching and/or grinding. I would speak to your dentist about it because (s)he can assess the damage to your teeth, and if it's not too severe (s)he can make you a guard to wear at night that fits over your bottom teeth. This will prevent you from grinding and relaxes the jaw quite a bit when you remove it. This can take some time to get used to wearing, and can be expensive if you don't have a dental plan, though!

Have you considered why you do this? Often teeth clenchers live highly stressful lives, often holding in their feelings - especially those of anger. If you feel stress is the reason, then you could benefit from a number of different approaches - counselling, relaxation exercises, biofeedback, etc. If it's severe, you really do need to do something about it, because it can lead to TMJ (a disorder of the jawbone) and facial pain. Try relaxation tapes - you can rent them at the library! Take 15 - 30 minutes. Twice a day to do it, and you should find a big change.

Good luck!

Didi

Thanks for all of that information! :) I clenched a lot today because I'm trying to take care of a newborn and potty train a 2 year old. I probably have been stressed :)

Heh-heh! No wonder you clench!! :D You definitely have sufficient cause! I would really try to get hold of some relaxation tapes and try that. Even if you could only do it once a day it should help. If the newborn and 2 year old nap at the same time, try once then and once at night for maximum effect. Oh, and try smiling a lot more!! It helps too! A genuine smile cannot be done if your teeth are clenched.

Another quick little trick... try this many times a day... purposefully tense every muscle that you can in your body and hold it for one or two minutes. Then, slooooowly relax those muscles. You can do this while sitting watching TV, standing washing dishes, sitting on the toilet or at the computer, even laying on the floor! It really makes you so much more aware of how your body feels when stressed (and when relaxed) and the self-awareness helps reduce the stress. Try it, it is amazing!

Hope this helps!

Hugs... oh, so many hugs... :)

Didi

Thank you so much! I will try all of those techniques because believe me, my lower jaw is so sore right now! :)