Teeth Grinding

[SueD]

Hi. I am just wondering if anyone else has started griding their teeth when the sjogren's began.  Before they knew what was wrong with me I started grinding my teeth especially during the day.  Since then ithas been getting so bad my mouth and teeth hurts.  I never had this problem before and I am 57 years old. 

Anyone have any ideas how to stop this?

Thanks

[eye2dry]

Hello SueD

I have always been a "jaw clencher" in my sleep. I don't grind them but by clenching my jaws..I am putting alot of pressure on my poor teeth and gums.

I wear a mouth guard that my dentist made for me, it helps cushion my clenching. I have done this clenching for 20 years...no idea why, I sometimes find myself do it while reading or preforming some task or other. To me..a relaxed jaw feels un=natural.

Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. You may want to buy a guard at the pharmacy to help protect your teeth. I tried them, but for me they did not feel comfortable and by morning they were out of my mouth and on the pillow.

I have no idea if it could at all be related to your diagnosis, maybe you are anxious and tense about your sjogrens and at night unconciously you grind to release your anxiety and worry over it.

take care of your teeth, Lord knows sjogrens folks have enough trouble with cavities and broken teeth.

eye2dry

[slccom]

I just get a guard from walmart -- under $1. I have a little dog who goes on patrol for mouth guards and eats them. But you don't need the expensive dentist guard.

Sharon

[SueD]

These are all good suggestions for night time but what do people do about daytime teeth grinding.  that is my biggest problem.  Thanks for any help.

[Skylar]

I chew sugar free gum all day long - it helps keep moisture in my mouth too. I wear a mouth guard at night.

I wonder if it's a behavior that you can "unlearn" since it's a problem occurring during the day.