Health✓ Follow-up at 6 weeks1,780 views
I grind my teeth at night and I'm damaging them
A teeth grinding management plan covering dental protection, stress reduction, and addressing the root causes of nocturnal bruxism.
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Follow-Up Result
6 weeks laterGrinding managed with custom night guard and stress reduction techniques
The Problem
I wake up with jaw pain, headaches, and my dentist says I'm grinding my teeth down. I've cracked a filling and my enamel is wearing thin. I don't even know I'm doing it — it happens in my sleep. My dentist recommended a night guard but they quoted $500. I'm stressed about work and I think that's making it worse. I need to protect my teeth before I do permanent damage.
The Plan
Week 1-2: Protect Your Teeth Now
Get a night guard — your dentist's custom one is best ($300-700) but an over-the-counter boil-and-bite guard ($20-40) works as a temporary solution
A custom guard from your dentist fits better, lasts longer, and is more comfortable — consider it an investment in your teeth
Check if your dental insurance covers night guards — many plans cover 50-80% of the cost
In the meantime: avoid chewing gum, hard candy, and ice — they train your jaw muscles to clench
Apply a warm washcloth to your jaw before bed — relaxes the muscles
Week 3-4: Address the Root Cause
Stress is the #1 cause of teeth grinding — address your stress and the grinding often reduces
Practice jaw relaxation: lips together, teeth apart, tongue on the roof of your mouth. This should be your resting jaw position
Reduce caffeine and alcohol — both increase grinding frequency
Try progressive muscle relaxation before bed — tense and release each muscle group, ending with your jaw
If grinding persists despite a guard and stress management, ask your dentist about Botox injections in the jaw muscles — it's increasingly common and effective
Resources
Your dentist — custom night guard fitting
Dental Duty or Pro Teeth Guard — affordable custom-fit guards ordered online ($100-160)
r/TMJ — community advice on jaw issues and grinding
Headspace or Calm — guided relaxation for bedtime
Follow-Up Result
6 weeks in: got a custom night guard through my dentist — insurance covered 60% so I paid $180 out of pocket. The difference from the drugstore guard is night and day — it's comfortable enough that I actually wear it every night. My jaw pain disappeared within a week. I also started a bedtime relaxation routine (10 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation) and cut caffeine after noon. My dentist says the grinding has reduced based on the wear patterns on the guard. The headaches are gone and I'm not doing further damage to my teeth. The guard was the best $180 I've ever spent on my health.Know someone with this problem?
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