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Tooth Grinding Do you brux your teeth every day? That's not a typo. "Brux" is a verb that means "grinding of teeth." And if you brux habitually - or if you brux in your sleep - you have a condition known as bruxism, which may damage teeth while often prompting headaches and even jaw disorders.
In a Healthier Talk community forum thread titled "Bruxism Remission," an HSI member named Freefall127 explains that he had bruxism as a child, but he doesn't think he bruxes anymore. His dentist disagrees. Freefall writes: "My dentist says that if I continue to grind my teeth I'll have to have them replaced when I'm older. How do I know if I'm still grinding?"
Jacquelina: "The DDS can tell by the surface of your teeth."
Dr. H.F. Wombat: "A competent (Ericksonian) hypnotist can solve your bruxism. You probably have 'unresolved problems' which your unconscious mind is trying to address. Your teeth will wear very quickly and you will set the stage for bone loss and, thus, periodontitis. The short answer to bruxism is a bite-guard which you can have made by a dental technician (bypass the dentist). You wear it at night and it is quite effective."
Lianna: "Bruxism is very frustrating. There are so many theories… Head injuries. Neck injuries. Electrolyte imbalances. Stress. Unresolved issues. Past orthodontal realignments of teeth. Neurological problems. Circulatory problems. I've been wearing a nightguard since college and have been watching my orthodontically straightened, cavity-free teeth being ground down bit by bit over the years.
"I have never had a cavity, but I have spent a fortune on dental bondings at the gumline of my teeth and on eroded areas on the biting surfaces. If any of you discover that you are grinding your teeth, get a nightguard NOW, before surface wear of the molars and microfractures in the enamel at the gumline become advanced."
Barbiec53: "Be careful about getting cheap, soft drug store guards. I chewed through two soft (made by a dentist) and one hard (also made by a dentist) before this hard one that I have for about a year worked. Another thing is that a theory has been put forth that stressed out adrenals and low levels of intracellular magnesium can contribute to grinding."
Oily George: "My Daughter also suffered from Bruxism - suffered jaw pain, used the night guard etc. Since she is taking her B-complex before bed (for something entirely different) she never has to wear the guard - no more grinding of the teeth. From what I've read…Bruxism is a classic B deficiency. If you 're already taking a B-complex and suffer with this issue, try taking the B-complex before bed."
In the e-Alert "Sweet Tooth" (11/3/03), HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., noted that he uses calcium and magnesium supplements to treat bruxism.
Other topics being discussed this week in the Healthier Talk community forums include: - Hearing: Ringing in the ears
- Dr. Wright's Nutrition and Healing: Question about COPD/emphysema
- Heart: Vitamin K
- Vision: Macular degeneration
- Cancer: Colon cancer in my family
- General Health Topics: Fish oil lowered my PSA
To join in with any of these discussions, just go to www.healthiertalk.com. Add your own insights and comments about health, nutrition and natural treatments. |
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