Teeth grinding & changing medication

[abandit]

I recently broke another dental crown and it would be safe to say it is a result of intensive teeth grinding while I sleep. In Nov 2016 my Dr suggesting coming off the meds. A few months of increasingly nasty nightmares led me to going back to the original dose on the advice of another Dr in the same practice.

Prosthodontist says he has seen others on this particular med have teeth grinding issues and suggested trying to change. Consequently, am transitioning to another antidepressant medication.

Has anyone else had issues with nighttime teeth grinding with their medications? If so, what did you do?

[SubduedBlues]

Hi abandit

Welcome to BB, and thanks for you question.

Where I may not have experience with teeth grinding, looking at it from a technical perspective, maybe I can suggest an alternative.

A few years ago, I decided to have my teeth whitened. The process the dentist gave me first required a mold of my teeth, for which they produced a thin rubberlike mold that I would put the peroxide gel into and then place over my teeth. These molds had the same shape as my teeth and allowed me to speak easily whilst wearing for the ensuing hour long treatment. The molds were cleanable and reusable, as I had to reapply the gel daily for two months.

Anyhow, I think that if you got similar molds made for your teeth. Perhaps you could just put these over your teeth whilst you sleep. The molds would create a soft cushion between the teeth (chomping) and a flexible barrier preventing the grinding from occurring.

Well, it's an idea.

SB

[abandit]

Thanks SB.

Am wearing a teeth guard at night already. 😞

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi abandit,

Thanks for your post.

Gosh - teeth grinding.

Here are a few suggestions;

- Check your magnesium levels (blood test). There is a link there but taking magnesium if you don't need it is obviously not helpful! I've also heard that jaw grinding can be linked to other nutritional deficiencies so it could be worth looking into.

- Jaw yoga (yes it's a thing). It's basically a way of consciously moving your jaw and trying to relax the muscles in your face. Also closing your lips (like you're about to kiss someone) and blowing air through your mouth can help if you can make sounds - hard to explain but almost like you're blowing a raspberry onto babies bellies.

- Herbal remedies. This is not something I can personally vouch for as I haven't yet tried; but I've heard that acupuncture and lavender oils can be very helpful.

- Meditation and other stress-reliving activities. Jaw grinding can be directly linked to stress so the more things that you do throughout the day the less intense they're likely to be. I find things like meditation, walks, stretches and colouring helps me.

[blondguy]

Hi abandit

Good thread title

I have always had an excellent diet, been very fit and had relaxation therapy too years ago when I really had bad grinding of the teeth.

By accident I found out that by taking a benzo (on my GP's recommendation) at night provided me with an anxiety free sleep. The anxiety symptoms of night sweats and teeth grinding stopped immediately.

I only take a small dosage anti-anxiety med which improved a 'calm' and deep sleep thus also reducing the anxiety the next day.My quality of life improved greatly 🙂

you are not alone here abandit

my kind thoughts

Paul