I've had similar frustrations with drugstore guards—they never quite fit right and always felt bulky. Eventually, I found a decent boil-and-bite option online that didn't break the bank. It's not perfect, but it stays put and does the job. Curious though, has anyone noticed their grinding getting better or worse depending on stress levels or lifestyle changes? I've noticed mine fluctuates quite a bit...
"Curious though, has anyone noticed their grinding getting better or worse depending on stress levels or lifestyle changes?"
Definitely noticed this myself. When I was still working full-time, my dentist pointed out how worn my teeth had become—stress was through the roof. After retirement, things improved dramatically...until grandkids visits ramped up, anyway.
I've definitely noticed stress playing a big role too. A few years back, I went through a rough patch at work and my dentist gently pointed out that my teeth were showing signs of grinding. Once things settled down, it eased up quite a bit. Interesting you mentioned retirement though:
"After retirement, things improved dramatically...until grandkids visits ramped up, anyway."
Makes me wonder if certain life stages naturally trigger more grinding than others...maybe it's not just stress but also excitement or anticipation?
I've been wondering about this too...my daughter is only 8 and already grinding her teeth at night. Dentist mentioned stress, but honestly, how stressed can an 8-year-old be? Maybe excitement or anticipation really does play a role like you said:
"maybe it's not just stress but also excitement or anticipation?"
Now I'm thinking about it, she does grind more before big events like birthdays or vacations. Anyone else notice this with their kids? Or am I just overthinking it (again)?
My son started grinding his teeth around age 7, and I noticed the same pattern—definitely more intense before holidays or special events. I used to think, "how stressed can a kid really be?" but then realized stress doesn't always mean negative stuff. Like you said:
"she does grind more before big events like birthdays or vacations."
Seems excitement or anticipation really can trigger it. Our dentist recommended a mouthguard, and honestly, it's helped a lot. You're not overthinking it—just being a good parent noticing these things.
