Treatments for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

I got trained to do biofeedback at the recommendation of my doctor. It really helped me to learn how to relax the muscles of my jaw. The key with biofeedback is to practice it every day and develop the skill. Now I try to do it every night before I go to sleep.

Also, at one point my doctor had me taking triple dose ibuprophen to help relax the muscles. That didn't work for me because it upset my stomach.

I don't grind my teeth but I do clench them which causes headaches. My massage therapist and chiropractor have helped greatly. Something about when your muscles are tense your body tries to relieve the tension by clenching the teeth.

Kim Churchman
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January 11, 20080 found this helpful

I am with you, because I'm a bruxer from way back, and I've had two teeth need root canal from it when they had never had a filling or cavity or any other trauma. I haven't been helped by night guards because I take them out without waking up, since they feel so foreign. Bruxing is a classic stress manifestation, and the best help I've had is some counseling for a situation where I felt there was nothing I could do. With the counselor, I found more ways I could solve the situation and finally sleep well again. God bless you!

According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", a book by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Bruxism can develop if the teeth are sensitive to heat and cold. Stress, allergies and nutrient deficiencies are often the cause of tooth grinding, which can also involve blood sugar levels. Essential nutrients are Calcium and magnesium, Pantothenic Acid and vitamin B Complex.

I did forget to say that I too went to a massage therapist who massaged the muscles by putting her fingers inside my mouth. It was extremely painful so I did not continue that therapy for very long.

I did this therapy about 15 years ago. So perhaps they now have another massage therapy that is better.