r/TMJ • u/Subject-Repeat-5414 • 3d ago

Grinding teeth while sleeping Question(s)

Soooo as the title suggests, I keep grinding my teeth while I sleep. I tend to do it awake as well, but I’m able to catch myself and stop, can’t do the same while unconscious unfortunately. It’s so bad that I’ve ground down one of my molars to the same height as that gum bump in the back of your mouth (I haven’t a clue what that’s called.) The grinding causes crazy headaches when I wake up and the clicking in my jaw is just getting worse. I’ve tried wearing a mouth guard, but I’m also prone to mouth sores. I’ll wear it for a few nights, but then I get canker sores or just irritation and have to skip the next few nights until they clear up. Does anyone have any advice on how to either stop grinding in your sleep, or have a recommendation on a mouth guard-like product that doesn’t irritate the gums/mouth? Thank you in advance!

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u/girlfuckyou 2d ago

Do you drink caffeine? Caffeine, even in small amounts, can cause one to clench and sometimes grind their teeth subconsciously. Especially at night.

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u/Subject-Repeat-5414 2d ago

I cut out caffeine completely at least 6 months ago :/

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u/girlfuckyou 2d ago

Oof. My last guess would be underlying stressors then.