Grinding teeth We have tried chewy tubes for excessive chewing on inappropriate object and also for the grinding. We also try licorice- leave it unwrapped a little and it gets much harder, giving the input he wants. We have also used a oral vibrator without much success.. WIsh I had the answer. You can get the chewy tubes at http://www.southpawenterprises.com/My ds started this a few months ago and it drove me crazy. I couldn't stand it when he was doing it. I ignored it, gently pushed him away from me, gave him the chewy tubes without making a big fuss over it. He did it for a month or two and he stopped it. I think he got the message that I did not like it, but he did not get any negative attention from me. The chewy tubes helped him redirect the grinding and satisfy his sensory need. Oh and I also started doing oral-motor exercises such as massaging his jaw and upper lip, putting my (gloved) fingers inside his mouth and massaging his cheeks. He did not like it in the beginning and he would push me away but now he tolerates it when it's done while he is engrossed in a favorite activity. Don't give it up even if he fights it. I hope this helps.Zinc always stops my girl from grinding her teeth: get a liquid one that is easily absorable. Give his weight plus 20 mg. per day. Give with food as zinc causes nausea on an empty tummy. BonBon39790.7745486111[QUOTE=Kara]i been grinding my teeth since a baby .i were a mouth gard at night i broke severl day one i grind so much i have tmj .i think it common with us with autism, Does anyone else have this going on?  How do you get it to stop??? I can usually get him sidetracked with chips or candy, but I know that is not the right thing to do - i'd basically be rewarding the awful habit I have also tried massaging the jaw line, but he does not want that... Any ideas?? [/QUOTE] My son clicks his teeth together alot. I noticed this on our last visit and it usually means he has a cavity or sinus infection. I know when I have a sinus infection all my teeth ache. I guess since he can not talk this means a trip to the dentist, God help us all! Does anyone else have this going on?  How do you get it to stop??? I can usually get him sidetracked with chips or candy, but I know that is not the right thing to do - i'd basically be rewarding the awful habit I have also tried massaging the jaw line, but he does not want that... Any ideas?? Our dentist says ALL kids do it to some extent.  I have TMJ and do it in spades. You might try rubbing between his shoulder blades.  Sometimes some of the problem is postural and if he squares his shoulders, his head will lift, his jaw will relax, and his teeth won't meet so conveniently ... My daughter has oral sensory issues and still grinds and nail bites.  Her first OT (many years ago) told us it was fine to redirect her by giving her other things to chew on.  So I don't think it is necessarily rewarding the bad behavior, especially at a young age.  My son uses a chewy tube. It gives him something to do with his jaws, but doesn't hurt anything. Would that help? Harriet
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