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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Jaw Dropping, Cheek Chewing At Night

I woke up this morning, because I heard myself chewing on something and realized it was my inner cheek. I was on my left side sleeping. I also realized that I must do this a lot as I wake up with swelling in my cheek often. I tried different positions and it doesn t make too much of a difference. I found that when I relax, my jaw drops and when I start to wake, either my tongue or my cheek is in the way and I start chewing on them. Is there a safe way to keep my jaw from dropping at night when I sleep?
Wed, 8 Aug 2012
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Dentist, Prosthodontics 's  Response
Hi,
Chewing or grinding the teeth at night is a common dental problem called bruxism or night grindiing. it happens specially when a person is sleeping and is not aware of it. Usually the patient either wakes up because of the sound made by grinding or as you mentioned because of biting hard on cheeks. This problem can be solved with the help of a mouth gaurd or dental splint which is to be worn at night while sleeping. I recommend you to visit a dentist for the same.
Regards
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Dentist, Endodontics Dr. Manisha Rao's  Response
Hi, it could be a neuromuscular or orthodontic problem. Please consult a good dentist. There could be a malocclusion of teeth due to which your jaw assumes a particular position at rest. Or it could be a joint, muscle or nerve problem. After a thorough check up, the dentist may refer you to a neurophysician or an orthodontist if required. Take care!
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Jaw Dropping, Cheek Chewing At Night

Hi, Chewing or grinding the teeth at night is a common dental problem called bruxism or night grindiing. it happens specially when a person is sleeping and is not aware of it. Usually the patient either wakes up because of the sound made by grinding or as you mentioned because of biting hard on cheeks. This problem can be solved with the help of a mouth gaurd or dental splint which is to be worn at night while sleeping. I recommend you to visit a dentist for the same. Regards