Causes Of Jaw Clenching

Any tips on how to stop jaw-clenching & teeth grinding without the use of an overnight mouthguard?

Recently visited my doctor after about a week of what he diagnosed as a tension headache. Among my stress and anxiety factors, he suggested clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth at night were probable causes. I have had a history of grinding my teeth at night (ask my friends after a sleepover or any guy I’ve ever dated) and noticed recently I have been clenching my jaw pretty tightly during the day, without noticing until after it starts to hurt, while driving or just watching television. My doc suggested trying out a mouthguard at night to prevent this, but I was wondering if anyone had any useful tips or advice on how to prevent grinding my teeth at night or clenching my jaw during the day without a bothersome mouthguard? Thanks in advance!

It is a subconcious behavior most often seen at night. There is not a lot you can do during your waking hours except to tell yourself to stop when you notice you are doing it. Get the nightguard, often times wearing it consistantly at night will ease the daytime grinding as well. Short of medication to dope you up and keep you relaxed, there is not much you can do besides a nightguard. If it is too pricey at your dental office, try the Rembrant over the counter one, but only until you can afford a proper one from the dentist.

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