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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea And Involuntary Clenching Of Teeth

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Posted on Mon, 9 Mar 2015
Question: Hi, I involuntarily clench my teeth during work, driving and while reading.I had sleep apnea. Used cpap. Discontinued after losing weight. Stopped snoring. Regained 10pounds(Height 5'3" weight 177lbs BP average 145/100. Recently divorced. Lots of stress emotional,financial, as well as pressure at work. What will it take to end jaw pain?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This could be occurring due to Bruxism

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

The problem of involuntary clenching of teeth can occur due to Bruxism. This may result in damage to teeth and also cause impairment in day to day functioning. There are numerous psychological stressor which can be contributing these symptoms as recent divorce, work stress, emotional pressure etc could be aggravating these symptoms. In most of individuals with awake Bruxism treatment with anti anxiety drugs is found to be very useful.

Reduction of anxiety and stress would result in reduction of clenching of teeth. Drugs like Anitryptiline, Escitalopram, Sertraline etc have excellent roles in reduction of symptoms of anxiety and consequently improvement of clenching of teeth. The medicines will also reduce pain in jaws. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for treatment and prescription of drugs.

Try to keep yourself relaxed. If possible exercise daily for at least half hour a day. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise along with Behaviour therapy also help to reduce intensity of clenching of teeth.

Apart from this I would advise you to get your teeth examined to rule out any damage. Bruxism may result in erosion of enamel and can increase damage to teeth. Timely intervention would halt the progression of damage.

As sleep apnea has improved so no need to worry about this. Anti anxiety drugs would help in sleep apnea also.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 days later)
Which specific psychiatrist do I ask for under Affordable Healthcare?

Also please let me know the right questions to ask to the psychiatrist. Obligeed,.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Psychiatrist dealing in anxiety disorders can help

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

You can ask for any psychiatrist that deals with anxiety and sleep disorders specifically.

Discuss from your psychiatrist about any evidence of anxiety in you. Ask whether anxiety is the reason for the clenching of teeth?

Discuss about SSRIs for treatment of your problems.


Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea And Involuntary Clenching Of Teeth

Brief Answer: This could be occurring due to Bruxism Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM The problem of involuntary clenching of teeth can occur due to Bruxism. This may result in damage to teeth and also cause impairment in day to day functioning. There are numerous psychological stressor which can be contributing these symptoms as recent divorce, work stress, emotional pressure etc could be aggravating these symptoms. In most of individuals with awake Bruxism treatment with anti anxiety drugs is found to be very useful. Reduction of anxiety and stress would result in reduction of clenching of teeth. Drugs like Anitryptiline, Escitalopram, Sertraline etc have excellent roles in reduction of symptoms of anxiety and consequently improvement of clenching of teeth. The medicines will also reduce pain in jaws. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for treatment and prescription of drugs. Try to keep yourself relaxed. If possible exercise daily for at least half hour a day. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise along with Behaviour therapy also help to reduce intensity of clenching of teeth. Apart from this I would advise you to get your teeth examined to rule out any damage. Bruxism may result in erosion of enamel and can increase damage to teeth. Timely intervention would halt the progression of damage. As sleep apnea has improved so no need to worry about this. Anti anxiety drugs would help in sleep apnea also. Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.