Earaches from teeth clenching?

[MountainMama]

After over a year of severe, intermittent earaches, the doctors finally referred my daughter to an ENT.

After an exam, which included examining her teeth and jaw muscles, he said the earaches are referred pain from clenching her teeth. Her teeth look okay, just usual wear and tear, no grinding them down yet. She is 11.

He suggested she consciously relax her jaw multiple times throughout the day.

Any other tips that she could realistically do while at school to help prevent clenching?

She just had her 6 month cleaning and checkup last month. At her next one, should I ask about a nightguard, or is it too early for that? I want to protect her teeth, but it seems like she is clenching during the day more than at night.

 

[Paige2018]

It is not to early for a nightguard, but they are very expensive. I would recommend a football mouthguard to see if it helps before paying for a custom guard. Also, heat and Ben-Gay type cream will also help.
I am dealing with TMJ as well and hope this helps.

 

[MountainMama]

It is not to early for a nightguard, but they are very expensive. I would recommend a football mouthguard to see if it helps before paying for a custom guard. Also, heat and Ben-Gay type cream will also help.
I am dealing with TMJ as well and hope this helps.

Yeah, she hasn't even lost all her baby teeth, so I really would prefer not to get a custom one, especially since she is going to get braces once her 12 year molars come in. But I don't want het to ruin her teeth.

 

[Gordon]

I'd maybe try approaching this from a different angle. Since clenching/grinding is usually stress related, is there anything you can do to help her manage her stress in a less destructive way?

 

[MountainMama]

I'd maybe try approaching this from a different angle. Since clenching/grinding is usually stress related, is there anything you can do to help her manage her stress in a less destructive way?

Yes, I have already pinpointed the stress with her. She has had a rough year with a teacher last year, which she claims caused her stress. Now she is worried about school starting again.
We discussed stress relief techniques, and breathing exercises. Unfortunately, she is being a typical preteen and claims that none of that works.

She does play sports, so I am hoping that will help as well, once school starts back.

If not, I will look into private counseling.

 

[geos]

Did they recommend any ways to help her relax her jaw? I'm wondering if seeing a physiotherapist who could give her exercises to do at home for example might help.

 

[MountainMama]

Did they recommend any ways to help her relax her jaw? I'm wondering if seeing a physiotherapist who could give her exercises to do at home for example might help.

I haven't thought of that. The ENT said for her to relax her jaw during the day, consciously. If this continues, I may look into a referral to a physiotherapist.