what can i do if i grind my teeth while i sleep?

See your dentist and alert them to the fact that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep.

They may refer to you an orthodontist or oral surgeon who can make you a "night guard"...this is a plastic device formed to your teeth that prevents your molars from connecting when you bite.

Years ago, I was diagnosed with severe TMJ, eventually resulting in surgery to correct the problem. Until diagnoses, however, I suffered terrible headaches for years.

The jaw muscles can exert tremendous pressure, and from what my oral surgeon told me, could bite right through a steel pipe if your teeth could withstand it!

There are often other factors that lead to teeth grinding, stress being one of the top.

You can see more about TMJ and other dental problems Here

The best course of action would first be a visit to your dentist to talk about it. Good Luck!

thanks for your help.

Hi Jimmy! I just saw my dentist last week for a night guard fitting. I'm picking it up Friday. All I had to do was mention that I grind my teeth and they agreed to make me one. They don't screw around when it comes to that, becuase you can do serious damage in the long run, such as devleoping migraines and TMJ (as already mentioned). The dentist explained that while most people's mouths open up a few centimeters and all the muscles in your face relax, like they are supposed to, some people clench their teeth very tight all night long. The muscles in your face never get a rest. I'm constantly stretching my mouth out and rubbing my jaws because they are so tight, and I can't wait to get that night guard.

My insurance covered most of it, and the fitting process wasn't too bad. They press a quick-drying gooey latex up against the roof of your mouth for about a minute to get an accurate fit. Then it takes about 10 days for them to make it.

Hey mom, I'm suprised you didn't tell him that I do it too.
I wish I could stop too! I didn't even know I did it until my mom heard it from all the way up in her bed room! I always wondered why my teeth hurt so much in the morning.

I was going to mention that I can hear you grinding from the living room! As soon as possible, we will be asking about getting you a night guard.