Jaw Clenching

[Tarrien]

So.... for a while I've had the habit of sucking on my fingers or -much later on- chewing gum....a lot... I never really figured it out till recently why I did it, it just was more of a soothing thing. I clench my jaw waaaaay too tight if nothing's in my mouth... I mean.... when I go out in public, I usually chew gum or whatnot... but, recently my temporalis region has been going nuts from me chewing gum... So now I really don't know what to do.... I can't really keep myself from clenching my jaw too tightly without focusing on it...

SUMMARY: Girl clenches jaw too tight. Her old method of gum chewing is giving her headaches now... Help please?  

[WindAndFire]

Maybe you should try mints...the wintergreen lifesaver ones are good 3nodding  

[Sotur]

perhaps softer gum? very, VERY chewy gum. otherwise u can check with a doctor if it's 'normal' for ur head to hurt over chweing gum. if it is...then...indeed the mints are a good idea. maybe it's just the need to have sumthin in the mouth, in which case some candy might help.  

[baigais]

Try wax.
And I get headaches from chewing gum, too. It's usually just the minty gum with me, if it's that way with you, maybe try other kinds?

I dunno, but wax might work for you. You can buy little plastic cases of it at a drugstore. People usually use it for braces, but it could be a good substitute for the gum.  

[Henry_the_Chicken]

Stuff a pillow in your mouth.  

[Cynderfox]

Try Juicyfruit gum...it' s softer but the flavor doesn't last too long. Just don't suck on your fingers, it makes your teeth crooked. I should know. I sucked on my fingers for years and now my teeth are crooked >>