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Bruxism is an oral function that affects between 50-95% of people to some degree. It includes both clenching and grinding of the teeth and can occur during sleep or when a person is awake. Bruxism is frequently associated with lack of symmetry in the teeth but has also been linked to anxiety and tension. Untreated Bruxism can lead to headaches, jaw disorders, damaged teeth, and many other problems.

Treatment frequently includes the use of an nightguard or dental guard, which is worn to protect the teeth from grinding. Dental guards obtained from a dentist will generally be custom made and can be quite expensive, costing over $1000. Over the counter dental guards can be obtained more reasonably($100-$200) at drug stores but are not made to custom fit the mouth and may not accommodate a person's particular problems.

Stress management and behavior therapy techniques are also helpful in the treatment of Bruxism. Professional counseling techniques such as relaxation, exercise, meditation and deep breathing may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of Bruxism. Additionally, a person may be able to change the way they position or hold their mouth and jaw in order to keep their teeth from grinding.

Biofeedback methods have also proven successful in the treatment of Bruxism. Biofeedback monitors are positioned a person's body and provide cues to let a person know when they begin to grind or clench their teeth. This can aid as they begin to modify or change that behavior. In some cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxers or even a Botox injection to help with Bruxism. Generally speaking medications are not very helpful in the treatment of Bruxism.

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