TMD jaw clenching

Ran into similar issues as you (clenching jaw when sleeping due to stress) and also go the same recommendations (posted while wearing a mouth guard). I ended up going to get fitted for an upper and a lower mouth guard at a TMJ specialist when I lived out in the seattle area. They did a CT scan, made impressions, got them back and fitted the molds. Top is a plastic piece, the bottom is more like a retainer (harder material)

I ran into similar TMJ clenching 2 years ago after leaving seattle and called the doctors office again. He recommended going to PT as a last resort. I started doing a ton of chest/shoulder exercises and came to the realization it was actually my neck/traps/shoulders/upper chest muscles that were all super tight. PT helped loosen those muscles to the point that I just use the night guard as a habit. They also asked how I sleep- on my side. Suggested trying to sleep on your back instead so you dont wake up with your shoulders scrunched up/headaches.

Hope this helps, but it's what's worked for me

Does your jawbone ache? I was diagnosed with TMJ in 2024. I just made a mental fix and corrected myself from clenching during the day and at night when I was conscious. Haven't had an issue since roughly late 2024, when the habit finally stuck. I may still clench while asleep, but I dont have any toothache/aching jaw/headaches anymore. Just my 2 cents.

quote:

---

What did you do to loosen those muscles?

---

Windshield wipers, resistance bands pulling my neck in the opposite direction to loosen traps, resistance bands to train shoulders, bear crawls, heat. They also used a finger to get up under the masseter muscle and push the finger into the muscle to relieve pressure for about 30 seconds on each side. All of that seemed to help my jaw, spine, chest and shoulders felt much better too after PT

Thank you for the advice, the dentist recommended that. I'm going to try stretching and mouth guard first. That doesn't work I'll do it to the dentist for Botox.
The issue is primarily on the left side and the masseter muscle is very large and tight compared to the right side.
It's crazy how all of these issues can be caused by jaw clenching. I was getting dizzy while riding my bike and the ENT could not explain why. Turns out the strap of my helmet was pulling on my SCM and making everything tighter. Loosening the strap on the helmet fixed that

quote:

---

Thank you for the advice, the dentist recommended that. I'm going to try stretching and mouth guard first. That doesn't work I'll do it to the dentist for Botox. The issue is primarily on the left side and the masseter muscle is very large and tight compared to the right side.

---

Thats exactly what I had /still battle. My face almost looks like the giga Chad meme

Go get the Botox I’m telling you. It will let that left muscle relax and even out. You won’t visibly really notice anything I promise

I bought one a custom guard online and have been wearing for a few nights. I've gotten over the gag reflex but I've taken it out in my sleep a couple of times. I guess I will slowly get used to it. I do feel like I'm getting better now that I have the guard and I'm aware of my daytime clenching

What issues did you have from clenching?

I don't have tinnitus, but I have fullness in my left ear. It's almost like I'm underwater. It used to be almost continuous but is much better now.

Yeah, it's thin and softer than the one in saw at the dentists office. I wouldn't say it's chewy though.

I actually paused using it for a few days. I think it's making me mouth breathe while I sleep. I woke up Wednesday with a very raw palate