Tongue pressure / numbness in mouth
 

Hi all,

I am mostly recovered but am still dealing with this issue:

When I sleep at night, I think I'm having some mild jaw clenching. It's not so much teeth grinding, but rather general tension and tongue pressure. You know how kids suck their thumb as a self-soothing habit? I think that when I'm asleep, I subconsciously (or semi-consciously) push my tongue up into the top half of my mouth and against the inside of my teeth (front and sides). When I wake up, I notice that my teeth ache a bit or are somewhat numb.

I dealt with a fair bit of stress during my recovery, for various reasons. I think that this tongue/jaw thing may have been a response to the stress. I'm doing so much better, but still have this issue hanging around.

Years ago, during a stressful time in my life, I had some teeth clenching / grinding and used a nightguard for a few months. Eventually I no longer needed it. However, the issue came back after my concussion and I started using a nightguard again. The clenching seems to have largely (not completely) subsided, but I still have this tongue thing.

Anyone else have success dealing with this issue? Is this fundamentally a stress-related issue (reduce stress to alleviate the clenching/tongue pressure habit)? Are there any proven therapies that can help?

Thanks and best wishes with all your recoveries.

Hi sorry to hear you still have issues, but it's great that you are mostly recovered.
I too have this problem, and like you I am mostly recovered after 22 months.
But I wake up every morning with my mouth clenched tight and my tounge is always at the top of my mouth.
It's funny because when I do yoga and we have to meditate she says place your tounge on the roof of your mouth, but mine is already there.!!
Not sure what to suggest so hoping someone will weigh in and advise us.

I don't think of it as a real problem but it's annoying more than anything else.

It's great you have come so far so think we have to be greatful for the good things.

Hap

Hi sorry pressed send but hadn't finished.!!

Just to wish you well and happy healing

Carole x