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Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of the teeth and can occur without awareness during awake and sleep hours. There are several causes of it including stress, anger, frustration, digestive disorders, misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, and medication side effects. Treatments then are formed around the cause and takes into account age, health, and extent of damage.

The most common treatment is a mouth guard to help prevent friction and supply padding. A person can spend up to $1000 to have one custom fitted by a dentist, or up to $200 to have one custom fitted from a lab, or up to $50 for an over the counter mouth guard or boxer's mouth guard that can mold around the teeth. A repositioning splint may act as a mouth guard and help prevent the urge to grind.
Vitamins and medication such as botox may help in relaxing the muscles. Others may need behavior modification that includes teaching patients how to rest their tongue at the roof of their mouth and teeth kept apart with closed lips. Biofeedback instruments are used for daytime bruxers that signal when too much muscle activity is being used for the jaw and the person can become aware and cut back on muscle activity. Counseling on emotions, problems causing stress or fear, exercise, a better diet, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help calm emotional causes.

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