Yoga and doing deep relaxation before you sleep. I have this problem, too. Fortunately I've never had to get a mouth guard, but that is an option for you, too.

I'm not sure if I did much teeth grinding at night, but last year when the anxiety was at its peak, I was clenching my jaw really tightly as you described. I actually had forgotten about it until you mentioned it! I think with time as I started to walk out of the hell I was going through, that eventually went away. I agree with JudyFZ though, relaxation exercises or yoga before sleep may help!

My dentist told me I was wearing down my teeth and it would eventually cause breakage. I developed TMJ, as a result .

A dental mouth guard was expensive and I used an over the counter type at night. I chewed gum during the day, as it was better then grinding my teeth.

Learning to relax seems to be the best solution.

I actually went to the dentist yesterday, and even though my teeth were great, the hygienist told me that I have been clenching. It is causing some of my teeth to move. Dentist said if I continue that I will need a splint at night, but really I do that more during the day.
It is really bad for your teeth. They make cheaper mouth guards at Walgreens and places like that. You could always try one and see what you think.

I am a clencher :(
I found this out years ago when I went to my dentist in severe pain and begged him to pull all my teeth. He did a little test after he suspected chenching and sure enough.....that was the problem. He built me a mouth guard, but that lasted a short while and I broke that device....the pain started all over again (and headaches as well as upper back issues). He had to build me a more expensive....stronger device (he was trying to save me money with the first one). Unfortunately I ended up breaking a few of my teeth before we got it under control :(
He said when I am clenching....I'm putting 700 pounds of pressure on my teeth which is why my teeth were breaking.
He also told me to become mindful throughout the day and right before I fall asleep of my jaw and face. He told me to separate my teeth and relax my jaw right before falling asleep and to wear the device....even during the day until I trained myself to stop clenching.

Whether you clench and or grind....both will destroy your teeth.....and you will suffer headaches, jaw aches, neck and back problems....and so on.
you can get a good mouth guard at Walmart at a reasonable price. However, if it is severe enough, it is well worth the money to get a stronger device......and use it consistently!

I used to grind my teeth in my first long term unhealthy/abusive relationship long before I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorders (GAD, PTSD), though years later learned it was from pent up feelings of anger. Today, many years later, I notice my jaw clenches at bedtime, and months ago I started to listen to a guided Count Down To Relaxation and a Muscle Tension audio that helps me to relax my whole body from head to toes, including my face and mouth area. It also as helped me worry less about things beyond my control.

Hope you find a solution that works for you. Thank you for sharing!

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I have been grinding my teeth for years, and I clench my teeth just about all day. I don't know if I grind as much as I do clench. But my jaw hurts and it's beginning to make my teeth hurt as well. I highly advise getting a mouth piece made to wear at night. During the day practice relaxing the muscles in your jaw and keeping your teeth from connecting. It's not easy to do but it's possible. It just takes practice, and like anything, takes time. I hope you will talk to your dentist about having a mouth piece made for nighttime. If you can't afford a dentist, they sell them for about $20 dollars in Wal Mart. Hugs Gramybear

I've started clenching my teeth the last few moths. It's horrible sometimes.

Yes, I do this all the time. I've already cracked a molar, so now I wear a crown. I also have problems with my ears.

I am a clencher too--have a night guard--doesn't really fit...so the only thing that has helped are exercises for tmj..(on www.ehow.com).which showed me how much I was messing up my jaw..there's also a yoga pose called the lion-do it in front of the mirror for a good laugh....then the klonopin/therapy/meditation/deep breathing has lessened my stress level--but clenching is one thing I continue to do...but mostly during the day, think it is a side effect of the zoloft! .

When I tried a cheap mouth guard from the store it hurt my jaw more than the clenching did. So in my opinion, go with dentist made or go without.
Like SandyB45, I chew gum during the day. Its not the greatest solution but it can keep your teeth from getting damaged.
At night, I use a massager on my jaw before bed to relax it, if you have one you could give that a try.