Bruxism is the technical term for the grinding, clenching, or gnashing of one's own teeth that occurs during sleep. It is believed that as many as one out of four people suffer from bruxism to at least some degree. According to the University of Virginia Health System, the symptoms of bruxism include damage to and weakening of teeth, sore jaw muscles, and damage to the tongue and cheeks. If you have ever bitten your tongue or cheek while consciously chewing, you might imagine that it can happen far more often and with greater force when you have no control over your actions. The longer your bruxism persists, the worse it can get.
Instructions
Step 1
The cause of the condition is something you should consider before deciding how to treat bruxism. Stress is one of the main causes of bruxism. In this case, the problem is not the condition itself - the problem is the stress, and it should be treated as such. To treat bruxism caused by stress, start a case-specific stress management program (formal or informal), then re-assess your situation. This could involve something as simple as getting enough sleep at night or making sure you are getting regular exercise.
