Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Bruxism


These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An indi vidual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

[posted 03/23/2000]
Question: Both my 16 year old son and myself have been told by our dentist that we are bruxers and are both now being fitted with teethguards for sleeping. I am most interested in finding ways to help my son reduce whatever internalized stress may be contributing to his teethgrinding. I realize from reading up on bruxism that other factors may also be causal. He has a fairly normal life for a 16 year old American living in Vietnam, gets good grades, and participates in sports and other adolescent activities. Any stress reduction suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer: Probably a congenital problem. Stress has little to do with bruxism. Your sleep patterns do, this is usually inherited.

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