Has anyone cured themselves of grinding their teeth at night?

[RationalMale]

I grind my teeth at night, for whatever reason, I've worn a mouthguard during sleep for years. Anyone ever had said problem and cured it?

[musicbrain5]

There's no total cure for tooth grinding (bruxism) unfortunately. I do it too and the mouth guard is just there to actually stop you grinding your teeth to nubs - since the grinding is actually a muscle movement, the guard won't stop it. I know that I've ground my teeth the night before if I wake up with a sore jaw or a headache (my dentist told me that's what happens). I can't actually wear the mouth guard since I have braces, and the grinding sometimes cuts up the inside of my mouth.

Some tricks that have helped me greatly reduce the grinding might work for you too. Don't drink any alcohol right before bed (I notice that it's the worst if I've had a drink the night before), also avoid coffee and tea. Try not to chew gum too much during the day, it causes your jaws to clench up more often then they should even when you're not chewing it. And definitely do not grind your teeth during the day. Also try not to use drugs at all - I don't do drugs but I do know that ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines, and some opiates can cause you to furiously grind your teeth.

[RationalMale]

That's actually very helpful. Not the cocaine part, but I have been drinking a lot of green tea and coffee. Should one avoid tea/coffee period, or is having it later in the day what makes one grind worse?

[musicbrain5]

No you don't need to avoid coffee during the day, but just within about 1 or even 2 hours before you go to sleep for the night. That goes for anything with caffeine of course. Caffeine is a stimulant so it prevents your muscles from relaxing properly.

Green tea and other herbal or fruit teas might be okay since they're lower in caffeine than regular black tea. I'm not sure though. It may be best to experiment. I know it's hard to tell if you're grinding overnight, but sore jaws in the morning is usually a good indication.

There isn't much else that can be done, like there are no medications or anything. Some people just have really active facial muscles.

[Azara]

lol had to laugh bc im grinding my teeth atm but i didn't notice till i saw this question:) i haves no solution other than mouth guard from the dentist. if you can get one its good bc grinding can eventually lead to horrible things like tooth infection from exposed nerve from wearing down the enamel. plus less enamel; more prone to cavities and coloring.

[RationalMale]

yeah, I'm well aware of the horrid things it can lead to. ugh.

[Azara]

sorry dont mean to be a downer ;) but try a mouth guard.

[RationalMale]

lol. :p been wearing one for years.

[Azara]

ohh. well isn't that ok then?