How to Treat pain from Grinding and Clenching teeth cheaply

You can relieve TMJ pain, from grinding or clenching your teeth, quickly and inexpensively, in most cases.

Things You'll Need

• A flexible athletic mouth guard, purchased at a sports equipment store, discount store, or pharmacy.
• Hot water
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  In most cases, pain from clenching or grinding your teeth at night is temporary. If you can relieve the pressure on your teeth, and the TMJ,(Tempro-Mandibular Joint) you will get relief from the pain.

  Purchase a flexible mouth guard at a Sports equipment store. (The price is usually $3-5.) Read the instructions, and select one that can be molded with hot water, to fit snugly.

• 2

  Follow the instructions to mold the mouth guard using hot water. Usually, you place the mouth guard in hot water for a short time, to soften it. Be sure it is not to hot to handle, or to safely place in your mouth.

• 3

  Place the softened mouth guard in your mouth, (usually on the upper teeth), and press it tightly around your teeth with your fingers. Pinch it between your thumb and forefinger, to mold both sides to the front and back of your teeth. Us both hands, and do it quickly, while the material is moldable.

• 4

  Take the mouth guard out of your mouth. Use a scissors to trim the material, about one half inch above where the teeth meet the gums. You can also trim the mouth guard so that it doesn't cover your palate. Don't leave any sharp or pointy edges on the mouth guard.

• 5

  Try the mouth guard in your mouth. Inspect it for comfort along the gums and cheeks. You can usually reheat the mouth guard in hot water, and remold it a second time to improve the fit.

• 6

  Wear the mouth guard at night, while you sleep. It is too big for you to swallow it, so it is safe. The flexible material will cushion the pressure of clenching or grinding your teeth, and relieve the pressure on your teeth and TMJ. The pain from clenching or grinding should stop within a few days. If the pain is not relieved, you should visit your Dentist.

• 7

  Clean this mouth guard with running water and a toothbrush every day. You can store it in a jar of water, but this must be rinsed and replaced daily to avoid contamination. Do not use cleansers, that are not recommended by the mouth guard manufacturer.

• 8

  Last tip. This is YOUR custom mouth guard. It can not be shared with anyone else. It will not work for them. Let them buy and make their own.