I used to grind my teeth something fierce; once, when my mother came to visit me, she said it sounded like I was chewing rocks. Delightful, huh? And apparently I’m not the only one—in October of last year, the New York Times ran a story about how dentists are seeing more and more cases of tooth grinding, thanks to economic stress. The costs of bruxism, or tooth grinding, can add up in the long run, though, as grinding can wear down enamel, break teeth, affect your bite, and mess with your muscles. If you wake up with pain in your jaw or a headache, then you may be grinding the night away.
Many grinders opt for a customized night guard, which the NYT says can run from $350 to $1,000. Molded to fit your teeth, this night guard keeps the teeth from making contact with each other, thus minimizing the damage of grinding or clenching. You could look at the cost of a night guard as an upfront way to avoid later dental expenses, but if you’re grinding your teeth for economic reasons, it may not be a justifiable expense. Luckily, there are a few cheaper options that you can try first.
Generally, dentists frown on the mouth guards that are available in drugstores, and, having used a few, I can understand why. Most over-the-counter guards require you to boil the device and then bite on it to create the mold. I’m good at following directions, but this never worked for me; the device never fit right and usually ended up falling out during the night. For some grinders, it’s possible that the excess chewy material will only lead to more grinding.
So, if you have a limited amount of money to spend on stopping the grind, I’d recommend you spend it on things that help you de-stress in the evening. Stress is thought to be a big factor in tooth grinding (exclusions, however apply), so invest in those things that soothe your worried mind before bedtime. Spend a few minutes meditating and stretching, get daily exercise, listen to calming music, and write in a journal—whatever helps you relax.
Taking a warm bath may help you de-stress, and, as an added bonus, many think that holding a warm washcloth to your face will relax your jaw muscles a bit. Cut down on caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes, as each has been linked with increased grinding. Give up gum and any other nervous chewing habits you may engage in during the day. Take a few minutes throughout the day to check in on your jaw’s alignment, as it’s possible that it’s more than just a nighttime problem.
If you’re into needles, some folks have had good results with Botox injections, which relax the jaw muscle, while others just need a little acupuncture. But if all else fails, it may be time to circle back to your dentist and the mouth guard idea. Anyone else got any suggestions? If so, share them in the comments!
By Molly Edmonds for HowStuffWorks
