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What causes jaw clenching?

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Posted 5/1/2012 6:41 AM (GMT -5)
I'm having a recurrence of jaw clenching which had gone away. Also having a flare of joint inflammation in my thumbs and hip.

I was wondering why jaw clenching is a symptom of Lyme.
Posted 5/1/2012 9:45 AM (GMT -5)
I'd like to know how lyme causes jaw clenching. This was one of my first symptoms - clenching and a painfully clicking jaw joint - TMJ.

Amazing the range of symptoms lyme causes!
Posted 5/1/2012 2:13 PM (GMT -5)
 

Lyme can cause TMJ symptoms.  I've had lots of trouble with this.  My jaw got stuck a few times in college which scared me, and then I started wearing mouth guards.   

You can get a mouthguard to help alleviate some of the clenching.  Start with a sports one or something from a chiropractor that you can put in hot water, form, and wear at night and at times during the day when you tend to clench.  If you grind through it, you'll need to get something stronger made by a dentist.

If the plastic is bothersome, soak it in a cup of water with a drop of tea tree oil, and then in water with some peroxide.

 

Posted 5/1/2012 4:01 PM (GMT -5)
I had a terrible time with jaw tightness and spent hours and hours online trying to figure out what was causing it before I knew that I had lyme. I personally believe it is due to stress hormones being sky high. For me, whenever anxiety sets in, my jaw would tighten. My stress hormones were so high they thought I had an adrenal tumor. Lyme gets the entire endocrine system/nervous system out of whack which is why I think so many of us suffer from anxiety, depression, etc.
Posted 5/3/2012 10:13 AM (GMT -5)
I understand the jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Did not know I had Lyme and was seeing dentists, oral surgeons, pain specialists...I kept dislocating my jaw at night. What finally helped me was anti-anxiety medicine taken at bedtime. Like a miracle drug....still have occasional jaw pain, but no more clenching, grinding all night long. Do wear a bite guard at night. Hope this helps.
Posted 5/6/2012 3:59 PM (GMT -5)
yes. I have had HUGE problems with this. When other Lyme symptoms flare it flares. Lyme gives me tight/tense muscles in general, so I think it is just doing the same to the ones in my jaw.

Take Maagnesium- it helps relax muscles. And just focus on not clenching your jaw when you are awake. I try to go to sleep with my mouth hanging open so I am less likely to clench
Posted 5/6/2012 6:23 PM (GMT -5)
I've heard that mycoplasma can cause jaw problems

I'm not sure if it's that in combination with stress...

Just some thoughts

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