Clenching my jaw

I have noticed that the last few weeks I have been clenching my jaw a lot.

Once I notice I do try to stop.

Could this be the cause for tension headaches, and a tight feeling in my head & face?

Are there any tips that can help me to stop clenching my jaw?

[Agora1]

Hi allthingspretyxx, Definitely clenching your jaw can cause tension headaches as well as tight feeling in your head and face. As you clench, the muscles get tighter until they cause trigger points that need to be released. The trigger points can come from your upper shoulders or neck causing referred pain resulting in tension headaches.

Using relaxation and imagery can help some in relaxing the obvious muscles involved. You Tube should have something on that. However, if the trigger points are deep rooted and have been going on for a while, you may need some physical therapy or massage to release the spasm.

A dentist may be able to help you with a mouth guard that you can wear while sleeping which will help with relaxing the jaw. I've been there as well and have learned some ways you can relieve the pressure and spasms at home. Keep up on the forum for further ideas.. xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for your reply.

Ohh that’s crazy, I definitely need to stop doing it then!

Yeah I’ll have a look on youtube and see how I get on.

I’ll have to book and appointment at the dentist and see what they say.

Thank you again for your helpful advice x

[Wyominganxiety]

I've noticed since starting my medication when I'm just falling asleep I grind my teeth I instantly wake up fully and try to readjust myself it's not all the time usually if I'm just really tired. I never did it before starting my meds so thinking it might be a weird side effect.

[Hidden in reply to Wyominganxiety]

Ohh yeah it could be, have you asked your doctor about it maybe being a side effect?

[Wyominganxiety in reply to Hidden]

I haven't yet but I'm going to my next appointment

[Lalakeyss]

I am definitely a victim of clenching my jaw. I now notice how often I do it, and release it as soon as I notice. It's a normal sign of anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to Lalakeyss]

Glad I’m not the only one. Yeah anxiety sucks.

[amanda19608]

I too clench my jaw alot which gives me terrible tension headaches. My dentist gave me a mouth guard to wear at bedtimes but I’ve managed to chew down through that too. I now do some jaw exercises which I found on youtube that helps relax the jaw muscles when it’s painful

[Hidden in reply to amanda19608]

Ohh I’ll have to loom into some jaw exercises thank you