More of a note than question to bring discussion. Sometimes the grinding is so loud and disturbing but the pain level does not seem to be present. I cannot for sure know if there is a mouth problem (prior to grinding) some sort of discomfort, or whatever but here is how I have been dealing with it. At first I thought that it might be pain so after wrestling to look in her mouth I had noticed that some of her gums were starting to recede. This could be either a disease or from over aggressive brushing. I have since been gentler. She no longer brushes, feeds, wipes or anything. Also, I will pour out a little mouthwash into the cap and using Q-tips to swab her gums. Then I lower her bottom lip and spill the rest in. Too small to really swallow and then right away I massage her lips to help spread around. Sometimes when she grinding really hard I can place my finger on her jaw and tell her "stop that" and she does for about 15 minutes. I then tried giving her liquid Tylenol (about 2000 to 3000 a day) and Orajel. Not sure if that help the grinding directly but it did seem to relax her into sleeping which reduced grinding by 90 - 95%. If I didn't want her to sleep on Tylenol, I would just include B-12 chewable gummies. There is a 1000mg version (Vitafusion in green bottle $11.00) that claims it gives you over 41,000% of daily. I give one gummy for 20,000. Mostly she seems content and happy. However I have found that sometimes I have to back it off a little or she gets jumpy, twitchy and cranky. It's a real balancing act. Sometimes these do not work like tonight. However when I turn off all sounds TV, Radio etc... she is asleep and no grinding. I find this relaxing. (LOL) Still do not know the source of the grinding cause. Sometime she just needs the bathroom. Another oddball as of late is a strange form of rigor mortis for lack of a better description. If while sitting on couch she should start leaning in one direction while sleeping, then awake she continues this position with an iron grip and will not sit up for the toilet, eating and drinking or walking or any reason. Sometimes when I return her to the couch I pre-position cushions that while she leans it puts her in a more upright position. This seems to be becoming a more dominate challange. Anyone having this issue?
You can try some gentle range of motion exercises. Real helpful after a warm bath or shower.
Thinking about it the teeth grinding might also be a form of contracture with the muscles in the jaw.
Doing a bit of Googling there is also a more rare condition called Stiff-Person syndrome it causes muscles to spasm leaving the person stiff and impaired.
As to pain. Look for other non verbal signs of pain.
Furrowed brow
Grimace
Whimper
If she is not exhibiting any of these I would say it is safe to bet that she is not in pain.
And because it is me responding... Is your wife on Hospice? I think you would find them of great help with supplies, a Nurse visit once a week, CNA that will come in at least 2 times a week to give a bath or shower and order supplies that will be delivered. And you will have a resource that you can call 24/7 to answer any questions you have.
I feel very sorry you have this situation & hope someone has useful information for you.
I would grind my teeth when I was sleeping and woke up with aching jaw muscles. Sometimes, I still do if I am stressed out and my jaw aches in the morning upon waking.
I had a bite guard made for me to wear at night. I have no idea if this would be feasible in your situation. It probably wouldn’t be suitable for you.
I’m sorry that you are experiencing this situation. I’m sure it is upsetting for you.