Huynh N, Lavigne GJ, Lanfranchi PA, Montplaisir JY, de Champlain J. The effect of 2 sympatholytic medications--propranolol and clonidine--on sleep bruxism: experimental randomized controlled studies. Sleep. 2006 Mar. 29(3):307-16. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. For some people, teeth grinding may be linked to mental health issues like stress, depression, and anxiety. More research is needed to link bruxism to these conditions, though. Excessive teeth grinding may first be noticed by your dentist due to the damage to your teeth and gums. Whether you grind your teeth at night or during the day, you may not be aware of your actions until complications develop. Signs and symptoms of teeth grinding include:

Treatment for sleep bruxism can involve multiple components to both manage pain and other symptoms and also reduce the severity of teeth grinding and its potential consequences. There are many different types of mouthguards on the market, some of which will be more useful when it comes to treating TMJ. Over-the-counter mouthguard for TMJ

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MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine (US). (2022, January 24). Bruxism., Retrieved October 31, 2022 from

Sagl B, Schmid-Schwap M, Piehslinger E, Kundi M, Stavness I. Effect of facet inclination and location on TMJ loading during bruxism: An in-silico study. J Adv Res. 2022 Jan. 35:25-32. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. [Full Text]. Specific exercises that Sunshine's physio has prescribed, such as self-massage, releasing the muscles in the mouth and jaw. "These are probably my number-one go-to, especially when I'm at work and don't have access to a hot compress. And they work too! I often feel a release from the pain or discomfort almost immediately."

Medications help some people reduce sleep bruxism. Most of these drugs work by altering brain chemicals to reduce muscle activity involved in teeth grinding. Botox injections are another way of limiting muscle movement and have shown effectiveness in more severe cases of sleep bruxism.

Practice good sleep habits. Getting a good night's sleep, which may include treatment for sleep problems, may help reduce bruxism.

Dr Teo says that "sometimes, managing bruxism properly will involve a team approach of various health practitioners working together". Such practitioners might include dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, acupuncturists, oral surgeons and oral medicine specialists. Gerstner, G. E. (2022, February 3). Sleep-related bruxism (tooth grinding). In A. F. Eichler (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved November 1, 2022, from

Treacy K. Awareness/relaxation training and transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation in the treatment of bruxism. J Oral Rehabil. 1999 Apr. 26(4):280-7. [QxMD MEDLINE Link]. Adjustable: These are made of a material that becomes flexible when placed in warm water. This means that you can readjust them as needed. Teeth may become painful, eroded, and mobile. Dental crowns, fillings, and implants can also become damaged. Carra MC, Macaluso GM, Rompré PH, Huynh N, Parrino L, Terzano MG. Clonidine has a paradoxical effect on cyclic arousal and sleep bruxism during NREM sleep. Sleep. 2010 Dec. 33(12):1711-6. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].The main symptom of sleep bruxism is involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep. The movements resemble chewing but generally involve more force. Occlusal interventions usually involve occlusal equilibrium, rehabilitation and dental treatment. The treatment is aimed at achieving a 'harmonious' relationship between occluding surfaces. However, there is no high quality evidence to support the use of these irreversible techniques and therefore they are not generally recommended in the first instance.