Fibro flare + teeth grinding

[Dodo21]

Hi everyone, any helpful advice/solution for severe teeth grinding and clenching? I tried different types of nightguards and botox and the situation didn't improve significantly. I am in the middle of a Fibro flare-up, and grinding got worse since yesterday and it is causing me horrendous headaches on the top of the widespread pain. Taking co-codamol atm, but it is not working much. I feel exhausted. TIA.

[Blearyeyed]

Are you still using the most comfortable night guard you have at the moment ?Even if it isn't perfect wearing it at night will still make a little difference.

Was your mouth guard measured and fitted by the dentist?

If not , this usually improves how they work.

If you are given a nerve relaxant in general for pain taking a dose later in the evening can help.

Trying relaxation techniques , deep breathing and gentle neck and head rotations before going to bed .

Doing this with a scarf with a few drops of aromatherapy oils, or a natural scented candle, in the room you don't sleep in can help.

Scents like Lavender and Camomile , hops are all relaxing if smelt for a period of upto 20 minutes but don't leave these scented things in your bedroom. Research proves that after a period of relaxing you they then turn the tables and raise your heart rate and stimulate Autonomic function which can make you more likely to get tense , clench or fidget in your sleep.

Try raising your upper body ( head , neck and shoulders) on supportive pillows rather than having your head flat down . It can improve your sleep and reduces the amount of force in your clenching jaw. It also helps reduce head pain in general.

This can be made better by also putting a curved neck travel pillow on your pillow and cushioning your face and neck within it , this can soothe the tension it also reduces pressure on the head and jaw.

Hope some of these tips bring you a bit more relief , Bee

[Dodo21 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you very much for your very detailed reply. I really appreciate the time you dedicated to me.

[denny_the_wench in reply to Dodo21]

Me too Blearyeyed ... Im suffering the same at the moment

[Cat00]

How many times did you have the botox and how long has it been? Botox can take a long time work and often needs a cumulative effect, so like two sessions before you see improvement.

[Dodo21 in reply to Cat00]

Once, few months ago. It was painful and also expensive. They said I would possibly need more sessions, but I am not sure I want to go through that again and again.

[Cat00 in reply to Dodo21]

Botox normally takes about two weeks to fully paralyse the muscles, and then for the pain to be reduced, to dampen down the pain signals to the brain it needs more than one session. This is true for Botox for migraines at least. Sadly it is very expensive!

[Kitten-whiskers]

Good morning Dodo21,

Sorry your suffering like that, I suffer this, what I have found, is like with everything stress makes it worse, so I do the best I can in reducing stress, relaxation, yoga and occasionally meditation, but also on YouTube there are videos with different exercises you can do to help. Hope you get some peace from it soon, it does cause terrible headaches

Best wishes

Debbie

[Dodo21 in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Thank you for your kindness. 🧡

[BlueTofu]

Hello, these are two books that have stretching exercises that helped me. I vary what I do according to my fibromyalgia. I don't necessarily agree with everything in the books.Taking control of TMJ Robert O Uppgaard. Pain Free Pete Egoscue. I also use an adapted Alexander Technique Excercise. I lay on my back on my bed with a thick book under my head (about 7cm works for me). Only for about 10 minutes, if back pain allows, which releases neck muscles.

Damp flannels heated about 30 seconds in microwave and placed in front of ears (careful not too hot), for 30 seconds, repeated a few times. This releases jaw muscles, and also helps any facial pain.

When I go to bed I use a relaxation download about deep sleep and imagine writing any worries on a piece of paper, putting them in a red balloon, and then releasing it to float upwards and away.

[Dodo21 in reply to BlueTofu]

Thank you so much. I will try exercises and flannels. My grinding it is not just during the night but all day long. Sometimes I can control it, sometimes I can't, particularly when I am stressed or when I am lost in my intrusive thoughts. It is like a coping mechanism to me, but obviously it makes everything worse. X

[Lestor]

I also grind my teeth a lot.Y dentist said I am an expert at it Lol

The headaches are awful. Maybe you could find a physiotherapist that can help you with. Chewing gum is out for me and other chewy foods. You could try eating soft foods and meditation also.

Wishing you better days.

[Dodo21 in reply to Lestor]

Thank you. X

[nurse_slwoodson]

I too grind my teeth only in my sleep though, I also clench my teeth. I noticed I do it more when I am under stress and I also found out it is an adverse effect from taking Prozac. I practice relaxing as I go to sleep and place my tongue up towards the roof of my mouth. This helps with the teeth clenching.

[Malwimmy27]

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this along with all the other fibro stuff. I've had a couple of broken teeth due to clenching, like many other people do too.

The only thing uve found helpful is a mouth guard I had fitted at the dentist. The ones I'd bought on line really didn't seem to help. The one I have now has made so much difference.

I hope you find something that helps to relieve the pain caused by clenching.

[Suffering2021]

I went to my dentist cost £159 for a bottom teeth guard . I didn’t know it was another symptom of fibromyalgia. It has helped in that I’m not ruining my teeth , so I believe it’s worth it . Good luck 😊

[Lestor]

I didn't know dentists will make a bottom teeth guard. I had a a top one once, a night guard and I couldnt sleep. I felt as I had marbles in my mouth.