Any suggestions for teeth grinding?

Question

Any suggestions for teeth grinding?

Follow

Share

My mother’s been grinding her teeth with a fury for almost a year now. She’s bedridden and in late stage Lewy Body Alzheimer’s. We’ve tried Klonopen which hasn’t helped much. The best thing that works for a few minutes at a time is a ritz cracker of all things. A straw is somewhat useful but she sucks in air. Any other suggestions???? She has some good days here and there but the bad ones are ahhhhhh

Alzheimer's & Dementia Dental Care Lewy Body Dementia

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

18 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

Okay, last post from me on this topic, I hope! Google “teeth grinding & vitamin deficiency”. What I read indicated it could be a calcium and/or magnesium deficiency. Anyway, maybe just ask the doc to draw labs. That may end up being the quickest & easiest solution. 😻😻

Helpful Answer (6)

Report

great suggestion! Thanks

(1)

Report

Do not buy one of the over the counter guards. They don't custom fit and can cause significant problems. I was stupid enough to do it and paid the price. Also yes in her condition would be a choking hazard, no doubt.

Helpful Answer (3)

Report

I wouldnt suggest a mouth guard. She will never use it and will probably toss it across the room. I'm thinking it might be a side effect of a medication. I'd check labels and google side effects. Perhaps that can be adjusted or changed?
Ggood luck, that must feel awful for her and for you to watch it happen. Good luck.

Helpful Answer (3)

Report

Some drug stores sell teeth guards that you mold by yourself at home.

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

I have used these and it takes hot water and pretty much a lot of knowhow to get them at all right. I also worry with the end stage Lewy's about choking because the swallow reflex can get pretty weak. But these are great for lots of things, so thanks for mentioning them.

(3)

Report

That’s a good idea but it’s impossible to pry her mouth open to get a mouth guard in at this point. She clenches down like a pit bull!

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

Why are you worried?

I am thinking it maybe time to pick your battles.

Yes her teeth may break, but how long does she have and will it matter.

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

It’s not a matter of being “worried” as much as it is a feeling of concern that she’s in pain based on her facial expressions. This is a battle worth fighting if there’s something I could do to help. If not, then I can accept it and move on 🤷🏻‍♀️ijs

(5)

Report

My neighbor had muscle relaxers for that problem. (Taken only at nite). She took 1/2 pill cuz she's tiny. Otherwise if mom can chew gum without choking, that's what I use when I'm having tension & grinding my teeth. Is mom having lots of anxiety? (If so, cud she have a benzo prescription)? Just sayin'. Best wishes.

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

Good idea about the muscle relaxers. Thanks I’ll look into that : )

(1)

Report

Hi there!

A friend of mine did that so furiously that it drove her boss nuts & demanded she get it seen to. So, after telling her family doctor about it he said he bet she was seriously in need of vitamin D. Sure enough, after a blood test, that’s was it. She had to take mega doses of vitamin D for a period of time and now is on a daily maintenance dose. Stopped the problem almost immediately! (Oh wait, now that I’ve typed all that I think her problem was chewing ice. Sheesh! Sorry.) We’ll, it’s kinda along the same thing so maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have her doc check her labs.

Good luck!

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

Talk with her doctor, it could also be tardive dyskinesia - a side of effect of many psych meds that causes unwanted muscle movements.

Helpful Answer (2)

Report

There are devices that a dentist can make for the patient to wear for this medical condition known as bruxism.

Any suggestions for teeth grinding?

18 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions