Dental care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Avoid DIY boil-and-bite or soft over-the-counter night guards if you are a heavy grinder.
They can damage your bite, cause jaw issues, or be chewed through immediately.
- Soft guards can exacerbate symptoms in severe grinders; hard acrylic is recommended.
2 people, independently
Play music or podcasts through headphones to divert attention from drilling noises and vibrations.
It provides an alternative focus point, helping time pass more quickly.
- Avoid ear canal earbuds because bone conduction can make vibrations worse.
- Be careful with noise-cancelling earbuds like AirPod Pros as polishers may cause feedback.
6 people, independently
Have your dentist file down or adjust your night guard periodically to keep a proper fit.
Teeth shift over time and divots can form in the guard.
2 people, independently
Pinpoint and control the specific causes of your stress to lessen teeth grinding.
Stress is a primary cause of grinding; for one individual, lowering stress levels was the key preventive measure.
5 people, independently
Cut back on sugar and junk carbs to see if it stops teeth grinding.
One person reported not grinding their teeth when cutting back on sugar and junk carbs.
one person who lived it
Check if you can use your FSA or HSA funds to pay for a night guard.
This allows you to pay with pre-tax dollars.
one person who lived it
Fit boil-and-bite guards by pressing them onto your upper teeth with your thumbs instead of biting down.
This method works best for some users.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of dentists who use high-pressure sales tactics to sell night guards.
Sudden, uniform recommendations for all patients or requirements to sign waivers opting out of guards can be suspicious.
one person who lived it
Wait for new job dental insurance coverage to go through before purchasing a night guard, if possible.
This allows you to use the new dentist and potentially have costs covered.
one person who lived it
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Consult a doctor about muscle relaxers and physical therapy to help unwire neuro pathways associated with grinding.
One person found this combination helped address lighting up neuro pathways.
one person who lived it
Perform mouth stretches or try singing exercises before bed to relieve jaw tension.
Targeted exercises can reduce grinding; one person tried mouth stretches and read about singing exercises helping.
one person who lived it
Find a dentist who specializes in treating fearful patients or demonstrates sympathy for dental phobia.
3 people, independently