Teeth grinding

[Snappy]

I grind my teeth in my sleep, so bad i wear a splint on my bottom teeth. Well i've almost worn through the splint and am having quite bad toothache at the minute, not so much from the grinding but the clenching. I tightly clench my jaw as soon as i sleep, i can't help it! They're also sensitive to cold and sweetness. I really don't want to go to the dentist, i hate it!

[SRH]

If it's causing you so many problems - then get to a dentist ;) I got a retainer to wear at night (a custom shaped gum shield) and exercises to do. My dentist referred me to the local hospital - and it was all free on the NHS. It's made a great difference - my main problem was that it was giving me headaches and they're reduced considerably.

Don't be afraid of your dentist! Getting a retainer fitted is totally painless (although I do look like a boxer in bed now, v attractive!)

Relaxing your jaw during the day will also help stop the clenching. With my favourite exercise you keep your mouth shut and then gently open your jaw while keeping your lips together. You can feel the relief down your face.

There's a dentist who comes on this forum - can't remember his name but hopefully he'll spot this and have more 'professional' advice!

[Snappy]

Just tried that face exercise, it does feel better!

My splint from the dentist cost �50! Im not really happy with my dentist, my teeth aren't great, i always thought i should have had a brace but he always said i didn't need it. I have a finger sized gap in between the top and bottom when i bite :-/

[Panic Button]

My dentist wants �120!

He's not getting it.

Are those �50 ones advertised on the right any good?

[MrXLA]

Snappy you may need a different kind of splint (although I don't know which type you currently wear).
Typically problems affecting the TMJ or muscles of mastication do not lead directly to sensitive teeth triggered by coldness or sweetness. Therefore it would be prudent to attend the dentist to exclude pathology directly affecting the teeth.
If you have an anterior open bite then perhaps you would benefit from orthodontics.
I would suggest that raise your concerns with your dentist and if you get no joy seek dental care elsewhere.
Splints provided in general dental practice on the NHS currently attract a patient charge (for those who are not exempt) of �198.
Many NHS dentists find the idea of this appaling and therefore kindly offer them 'privately' for a lower fee. If you think you are being charged too much remember the government has deemed it appropriate to charge you �198 not the dentist (most of whom believe the new patient charge system and NHS contract to be absurd, hence the large numbers leaving the NHS).
NB - Whilst you may believe that �50 for a splint to be excessive I can say with some authority that the dentist will have made very little if any profit on it and iin some cases it will have cost the practice money to provide it.

[MrXLA]

NB - SmileDirect advertised left is almost certainly promoting and providing services which the general dental council would consider to be the illegal practice of dentistry by non qualified professionals

[Panic Button]

Thanks for the warning

[Petal~flower]

I had a shield made for me quite a few years ago , as I was told I grind my teeth, and it cost �50 then...

But I could never wear it, as it made gag.

For your sensitive teeth, try alternating between Sensodyne toothpast and your normal one