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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mariatorres on February 22, 2004, at 21:11:24
Please help! I have made myself very uncomfortable. I consider myself to be a healthy, well-adjusted adult, but I've begun clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth while awake something fierce. I can't stop, and my teeth are cracking, my jaw hurts.
What kind of mental health professional should I see, and what are the possible treatments? thanks,
Maria
Posted by HappyGirl on February 22, 2004, at 22:14:12
In reply to Jaw clenching, teeth-grinding, please help!, posted by mariatorres on February 22, 2004, at 21:11:24
Hi:
Sounds to me like you've been experiencing 'Anxiety' or 'Panic Disorder,' and both conditions need psychiatrist's attention. However, sometimes those condition may go away as your tension will subsidize/ease. Then, the length of time might be crucial for anyone to offer suggestion/advice on your problem. Also, the severity of your problem is one of important factors to analyze what's wrong with.First, try to talk to your 'trusted' family doctor or a dentist/specialist on this,(orthodontist?), if you're hesistant to call to make appt. to a psyciatrist. Because, normally if you would visit mental office, you might be placed on some of psycho.med.
H.G.
Posted by thunder on February 22, 2004, at 22:35:36
In reply to Jaw clenching, teeth-grinding, please help!, posted by mariatorres on February 22, 2004, at 21:11:24
Klonopin works well for some with bruxism and jaw clenching.
Posted by sb417 on February 23, 2004, at 0:12:34
In reply to Jaw clenching, teeth-grinding, please help!, posted by mariatorres on February 22, 2004, at 21:11:24
Are you on an ssri (zoloft, prozac, paxil, celexa or lexapro)? I started grinding my teeth when I was on zoloft. It got so bad, I had to get a mouth guard to wear at night. If you read "Prozac Backlash" by Joseph Glenmullen, you will see that this is a common side effect of ssri's. He discusses the problem at some length. Other drugs can do this, too. Have you discussed the problem with your doctor? I would discuss it with your doctor, and I urge you to go to a good dentist so you can have a mouth guard made to prevent any further damage.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 17:18:52
In reply to Jaw clenching, teeth-grinding, please help!, posted by mariatorres on February 22, 2004, at 21:11:24
Hi Maria,
Everyone has given you great advice on the subject.
Because teeth grinding is sometimes a symptom of stress you might consider going to see a therapist. Sometimes people are unaware of things in their lives that cause tension/stress and a therapist can help you deal with those things.
Also, if you're comfortable with the idea of medication, take something to relax you before going to bed. Klonopin and Lorazepam are both great meds for that sort of thing.
K.
Posted by jlo820 on February 23, 2004, at 18:11:32
In reply to Re: Jaw clenching, teeth-grinding, please help!, posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 17:18:52
You have Bruxism. A google search will give you plenty of info. What you need to determine is what is causing it. Could be stress, could be reaction to medication, could be just bruxism. Before going to a psychiatrist or therapist, I would see your regular doctor and let them direct you.
Posted by platinumbride on February 26, 2004, at 13:44:37
In reply to Bruxism, posted by jlo820 on February 23, 2004, at 18:11:32
or go to a dentist and see about a night guard. It pissed me off when I first noticed this bruxism years ago when i was on paxil. It was mentioned as a side effect that less than i% of ppl suffer. And now I read about it on this board all the time.......
Diane
This is the end of the thread.
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