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TBI severe grinding teeth
My son had a severe brain injury six years ago. He has come a long way, however, he is in a nursing home, can't walk or talk, and only communicates if you ask him to write. He has been grinding his teeth for years now. His doctor gave him flexeril to help with relaxing but it is not working. We tried a mouth guard but he will not keep it in. The grinding is severe, I tried looking at his teeth, they do appear to be damaged. His dentist only suggested a mouth guard but it is not the answer. Is there anything else to try. Please, we need help.
Sorry to hear about your son.
As the flexeril is not helping, speak with the doctor if he can prescribe a different relaxant medication for your son.
Bruxism (grinding of teeth) does happen when someone is tense and stressed. It can happen during the day, but most of the time it can also happen at night time when the person is asleep and is unaware that they are doing it. Unfortunately, it does wear down the teeth.
Wearing a tooth shield is not very pleasant and is quite uncomfortable and does need some time to get used to. I am not surprised that son does not like it.
As your son is able to communicate by writing, ask him questions to find out what he would like. I know it is going to be very difficult and I can understand your son's frustration. His brain is functioning, but he is not able to communicate vocally and this must be very frustrating and stressful for him.
As the gum shield is out of the question, different relaxation medication may help and any form of relaxation like music or massage may help to lessen his stress and anxiety.
I wish him a speedy recovery.
As the flexeril is not helping, speak with the doctor if he can prescribe a different relaxant medication for your son.
Bruxism (grinding of teeth) does happen when someone is tense and stressed. It can happen during the day, but most of the time it can also happen at night time when the person is asleep and is unaware that they are doing it. Unfortunately, it does wear down the teeth.
Wearing a tooth shield is not very pleasant and is quite uncomfortable and does need some time to get used to. I am not surprised that son does not like it.
As your son is able to communicate by writing, ask him questions to find out what he would like. I know it is going to be very difficult and I can understand your son's frustration. His brain is functioning, but he is not able to communicate vocally and this must be very frustrating and stressful for him.
As the gum shield is out of the question, different relaxation medication may help and any form of relaxation like music or massage may help to lessen his stress and anxiety.
I wish him a speedy recovery.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It appears that your son had some kind of brain injury. For normal healthy subjects, a well fabricated mouth guard or occlusal appliance by a competent tmj specialist does stop brutish. I don't know how it works for your son. My wild guess is that the appliance therapy could still help, however, it may not be as effective as other patients. Seeing an competent and experienced tmj specialist is advised.
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