Teeth Grinding

Wearing Mouth Guard, Managing Stress May Help With Bruxism.

Business Insider (5/2, Schmitz, Wilkin) stated that about “10% of the US population” grind their teeth, which may result in fractured teeth, headaches, jaw pain, and more. The article noted that wearing a mouth guard may help prevent damage from occurring, and since bruxism may be caused by stress and anxiety, counseling and meditation may be helpful.

A study published previously in The Journal of the American Dental Association evaluated using “locally administered botulinum toxin, or BTX,” to treat bruxism. The study’s results suggested “BTX administered by skilled practitioners is a safe and effective treatment for people with severe bruxism, particularly those with associated movement disorders.”

Dentists can refer patients to MouthHealthy.org, ADA’s consumer website, for additional information on bruxism.

The ADA Catalog offers the guide Understanding Bruxism: Current Knowledge and Practice.