Hi,
I've started grinding my teeth again, quite badly.
I've been reading up on the Net about possible causes, and most of it seems to point to stress, although I'm not feeling particularly stressed (although a lot of people say that!).
Does anyone have any suggestions of remedies, etc that could help?
(PS - I have a phobia of dentists so thats not really an option!!)
RE: Teeth grinding
I started a thread on this subject about a month ago, so suggest you take a look at that.
It's called Bruxism & it's near the top of page 2 in this forum.
😉 Good luck.
RE: Teeth grinding
Hi Jane
I know you said that going to the dentist wouldn't be an option for you, but it would really help your grinding if you had a bite splint made. All that would be involved would be an impression, 5 mins. I'm a dental nurse and have alot of patients who grind/clench their teeth at night, and it can be a real problem for them. Have a think about it 🙂
RE: Teeth grinding
A splint is a very symptomatic approach only & isn't going very far to actuallt address the underlying problem. I do hear that it can help long term, as well, though, but never seen any evidence for it. [&:]
Perhaps Yala could ask the dentists she works with that use this approach for some research references. We assume an awful lot & orthodox medicine assumes more than most. And there is good research to support that statement. Less than 15% of orthododox medical procedures are based on research & a tiny proportion of that on good research. [:o]
With UK dentists there's more than just a chink in the armour, as the large majority are still persisting with amalgam fillings, whereas they've been banned in some countries. But to admit fault would bancrupt the whole system with litigious claims. [&o]
I not saying that everything we do should be based on research - otherwise I would struggle to justify getting out of bed. But I am genuinely interested cos none of my patients have ever needed to go down that route - so far, that is.
And I'm not saying that I am an especially good osteopath - most should be able to help with such a problem, as I'm sure a decent acupuncturist, etc may equally help.
PS I'm due to see the dental hygienist tomorrow - aaaaah! 😀
RE: Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding has a great deal to do with inner anger, be it supressed or something recent that you are not addressing. dental splints/gumshields do help but as Anahata said it doesnt address the underlying problem and i am sorry to say it but it has nowt to do with visiting the dentist! you need to look at issues/emotional/work related, stress etc, anxieties and you will find your answers addressing this/these areas of you life as; ALL YOUR ISSUES ARE INDEED IN YOUR TISSUES a strong statement and one i abide by.
best of luck and dont worry too much about it, it will go as quickly as it came if you find the underlying cause/symptom etc.
with love
tam
RE: Teeth grinding
I'm a little concerned about the stress aspect of this as my 5 year old has ground her teeth at night ever since she had them!! Would reiki help?
Tam
RE: Teeth grinding
Anahata in reply to your statement I do agree with what you are saying about dentist etc only treating the symptoms, and not looking into the cause, but we are talking about the NHS here! I'm sure if people were willing to pay the money to see a private dentist they would be given all the time in the world to look at their case in much more detail.
And as for amalgam fillings, yes it is true that there is a small percentage of the population that have had an adverse reaction to it, but for the majority of people there is no problem with this material. But as with everything it all comes down to money! A composite resin filling is around twice the price of an amalgam one, spot the difference!
RE: Teeth grinding
RE: Amalgam fillings - unless it's looked into properly, which won't happen so long as there's the attitude of denial, then we may never know. [&:]
There was a thread on this started by Tamlamb, currently top of page 4 on this forum, entitled Mercury Fillings.
You've presumably heard one side of the argument, then maybe it's time to look at the other side. You'll find it in this book - It's All In Your Head - Dr Hal A. Huggins - Avery/Penguin Putnam Inc. ISBN 0-89529-550-4 It is well researched. 😮
Cost isn't the only problem. If they were to turn around & admit that there was a problem (assuming there is), then they would get sued out of existence.
Even to start adopting white fillings & phasing out amalgam fillings would be as good as an admission, so it's a very tricky political balancing act. [&:]
Believe me I know all about the NHS politics, costs & attitudes. I worked for them for 5 years albeit part time. I always felt like I was there as a political gesture, so the departmeent could say - 'Aren't we broad minded having an osteopath on the team - that makes us a multidisiplinary department.' (it's the latest thing y'know) I thought I could make a difference, maybe a small change in attitude & beliefs and help a few people that would otherwise be told to live with it. 🙁
I only felt that I managed the latter & after 5 years I decided I'd given it my best shot & the stress & hassle on myself wasn't worth it, so I resigned last month. [&o]