I'm 36 and I've been grinding/clenching for many years. It's been a mild nuissance until the last year or so. Now I'm losing my hearing. Started as a 20-25% loss in my right ear, but now it's happening in my left too. My jaw usually locks up if I try to open it to eat too quicky and I usually have to "unlock" it before I can open without crunching sounds from the hinge. I tend to have mild headaches when I wake up too and feel generally tired throughout the day.

I've done a bit of research and have decided to stop drinking caffinated sodas and cut way down on coffee. I've also just purchased a mouth guard (SleepRight Night Guard). Just starting out, but does anyone have any advice? I never thought this would effect my life so much, but here I am...

This may sound "off the wall" but the problem may be due to the way the head sits on your spine...If the head is tilted toward one shoulder or the other or slighty twisted it can cause all kinds of jaw and mouth problems. TMJ, misaligned teeth, etc.

It may be one more thing to try at any rate. Call the "800" number on the web site, www.pettibonsystem.com, and find a practicioner in your area.

The other thing that comes to mind is called EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique. Dr. Mercola, www.mercola.com, is big on this and it apparently works for many issues. www.emofree.com will list practicioners in your area. It can also be done over the phone if there isn't one locally.

Keep us posted and let us know what works for you.

Mouth guards to assist a patient when they are grinding their teeth should have a dentist look at it so that the mouth guard does not build in the same interferences that may be causing the problems.

The problem is a mouth guard that is done at home is that it can keep the same problem that you are having.

I would think that it would be worth a consultation with a dentist that deals with TMJ disorders.

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