Frequently Asked Questions

What can you recommend for someone who is an excessive nighttime teeth-grinder? (So much that mouthguards are being worn down, there is concern about teeth cracking, etc.) I am having a hard time getting advice past wearing the mouthguard every night and establishing ways to decrease stress (yoga, relaxation, etc, before bed.) Can you please offer me some more suggestions? Thank you!

It sounds like the traditional treatments have met their match! If you are comfortable that stress is causing the grinding, then you may want to consider consulting your physician for medications that reduce stress and anxiety. However, if you feel that you can control normal stress in your life, then you may consider other possible causes for the grinding. In my experience, the number one reason for nighttime bruxism is excessive caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate). Stress is generally second and occlusal disharmony (uneven teeth) is third. The night guard merely treats the symptoms whereas a better result will come if you correctly identify the cause. Good luck.

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