Totally agree with your approach—guards can be helpful, but they're definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for kids. I've seen plenty of young patients who just can't get comfortable with them (the hockey puck analogy made me chuckle...it's spot-on). Relaxation techniques are great; I've also had parents mention success with gentle bedtime yoga or even storytelling podcasts. Sometimes just shifting the bedtime routine slightly can make a surprising difference in reducing grinding episodes. Glad you found something that works!
"Sometimes just shifting the bedtime routine slightly can make a surprising difference in reducing grinding episodes."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've noticed myself that just reading or listening to something calming before bed helps ease the tension in my jaw...no guard needed. Though I admit, the hockey puck comparison gave me flashbacks!
Have you tried any DIY or budget-friendly methods besides the calming routine? I grind my teeth pretty badly too, but splurging on a dentist-made guard just isn't doable right now. Instead, I've been using one of those drugstore boil-and-bite guards—it's actually worked surprisingly well (after a couple attempts to mold it properly...). Curious if anyone else finds these effective long-term or if it's just a temporary fix.
I've been using one of those boil-and-bite guards from the drugstore for about a year now, and honestly, it's been pretty decent. Took me a few tries to get the fit right too—first couple attempts were a disaster, lol. But once I got it molded properly, it definitely helped reduce the soreness in my jaw in the mornings. Not sure if it's a permanent solution though...mine's starting to wear down a bit, and I'm wondering if that's normal or if I'm just grinding extra hard lately.
Has anyone else noticed theirs wearing out quickly? I'm debating whether it's worth replacing regularly or if I should just bite the bullet (no pun intended) and save up for a dentist-made one eventually.
"mine's starting to wear down a bit, and I'm wondering if that's normal or if I'm just grinding extra hard lately."
Mine wore down pretty fast too—maybe 6-8 months tops. I asked my dentist, and she said heavy grinders usually chew through the drugstore ones quicker. Did your dentist mention anything about long-term tooth damage if you stick with these cheaper guards?
