General Bruxism Information Possible Causes of Bruxism Possible Symptoms of Bruxism Possible Lifestyle Changes for Bruxism Beneficial Dietary Supplements Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Bruxism Information Bruxism is the medical term for involuntary tooth grinding. Most people clench or grind their teeth from time to time with no adverse effects, but when tooth grinding becomes habitual, it can cause damage to the teeth and jaw. Bruxism can happen at any time of the day or night, but it most commonly occurs while sleeping without the person’s knowledge. Nocturnal bruxism occurs in approximately 5% to 29% of adults and is even more common in children. Most bruxism sufferers develop the condition in adolescence or early adulthood. The condition usually goes undiagnosed until visible damage to the teeth occurs, which can take years. Chronic bruxism can result in fracturing, loosening and loss of teeth. Teeth grinding can also result in jaw pain, hearing loss, temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ) and could even cause a change in facial appearance. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Bruxism The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but factors believed to precede its occurrence include stress, poor diet, facial or oral trauma, allergies and nervous system malfunction. Bruxism is also tied to hypoglycemia. The use of alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing bruxism. Most children with bruxism stop grinding their teeth before adulthood, but some continue to suffer from the condition throughout adulthood. Adults with bruxism often grind their teeth more frequently when experiencing personal, physical or job-related stress. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Bruxism The chronic gnashing of teeth that occurs with bruxism causes pain and irritation in the jaw and ears. This pain can also be accompanied by a dull, constant headache. The grinding action can also wear the teeth down so much that the right and left sides of the teeth are unbalanced. Because bruxism occurs mainly at night, most sufferers are unaware that they have the disorder. The sound of grinding teeth can be loud, so the condition is often detected by a spouse or other family member who is kept awake by the noise. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Bruxism Because stress is one of the biggest factors associated with bruxism, it is helpful for sufferers to find ways to cope with stressful situations. Exercise is one of the best stress fighters humans have, so starting an exercise program is a good first start. Deep breathing, meditation and other body calming activities are also effective anti-stress activities. Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine, like chocolate, coffee and colas. Stay away from alcohol, because grinding tends to increase with its consumption. Do not chew on anything other than food, including pencils, pens and chewing gum, and if a sufferer catches himself clenching his teeth during the day, he should stop immediately. A dentist can also fit a sufferer with a rubber mouth guard to decrease the effects of bruxism. If a child is suffering from bruxism, parents should try to decrease the child’s stress level before bedtime and use massage or stretching exercises to relax the muscles. Make sure the child drinks plenty of water to ensure he is properly hydrated. If the child continues to grind his teeth, ask a dentist to monitor his teeth carefully to detect possible damage. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to tooth-grinding. Pantohthenic Acid (Vitamin B5) reduces stress. Vitamin B Complex is necessary for proper nerve function. Vitamin C is a stress fighter. Chromium helps normalize blood sugar. L-Tyosine is an amino acid that reduces stress. Melatonin aids restful sleep and may reduce tooth-grinding. Use only in people age 30 and older. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below.