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.

I don't know if she has classic TMJ but my wife's teeth were ground flat by then time she got to college(1987) and it's only gotten worse. she's getting botox into the muscle now and an Dr is making a special something or other to fix into her mouth that is supposed to help. when she bites, she touches on ONE back tooth. none of her teeth touch when she closes. MRI didn't show any significant degradation in the joint, though. and she's a dentist.

If you want instant relief for a period of time while you figure out what measure to take permanently go get Botox in your jaw muscles. It will be life changing feeling what a relaxed muscle feels like

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