Bruxism: suggested nontoxic cures
Mercury detox, homeopathy, psychological approaches, nutritional therapy
This page lists suggestions and documents various ways in which to successfully address the (mostly) "gnightly gnashing of teeth" called by the poetic name of bruxism :-).
Mercury poisoning and detoxification
According to Dr. med. Dietrich Klinghardt M.D., Ph.D. and other researchers, the neurotoxic mercury from dental amalgam fillings escapes via nervous pathways into other parts of the body, particularly the brain. Quote from a lecture by Dietrich Klinghardt M.D., Ph.D. and Dr. Patricia Kane Ph.D. held at the ETH Zurich in April 2003 (© translation by Healing Teeth Naturally, 2008):
"[Mercury's] normal pathway ... is via the trigeminal nerve which innervates all your teeth. The mercury enters and wanders to the trigeminal ganglion. This ganglion not only innervates teeth but also various masticatory muscles. The symptoms some people exhibit at night, the chewing and grinding of teeth, in most cases are caused by the poisoning of the trigeminal ganglion with mercury. The mouth of these people simply needs to be detoxified, and the chewing will stop." Compare Dr. med. Dietrich Klinghardt M.D., Ph.D. On Effective Holistic Heavy Metal Detoxification (Chelation).
Psychological approaches
Apart from any physical causes (such as malocclusion etc.), bruxism has been linked to emotional factors such as anxiety, stress (at work, in one's profession etc.), irregular work shifts, tension, depression and ineffective coping strategies. It makes a lot of sense that the body will try to discharge some of its accumulated frustration at night via grinding its teeth. In fact I have seen it suggested to use chewing gum to get rid of anger at one's boss if there isn't a more direct way to find relief (see Toothache can be triggered by continuous stress leading to bruxism).
Nutritional therapy
According to dentist Joel Knapp of Hendersonville, Tennessee, bruxism can be easily cured using supplements. He writes, "bruxism, or teeth grinding, also responds to nutritional therapy. A woman came in here who had taken her son all over the place looking for some help. He had head X-rays and orthodontic advice, but he was still grinding his teeth smooth, keeping the whole house awake at night. and he would wake up tired, too, in the morning. I put this child on B complex and dolomite, one tablet of each one hour before bed. The bruxism was gone that very night."
Homeopathic remedies
Although homeopathic remedies typically are prescribed for the individual and not for any generic disease (i.e. two persons with the same disease and symptoms may be prescribed two completely different homeopathic remedies), here are some "generic" homeopathic remedies I've found recommended for bruxism at holistic dentist Dr. Bill Wolfe's site www.drwolfe.com:
- Belladonna: for grinding problem that causes painful teeth.
- Podophyllum: for night grinding when experiencing a burning sensation of the tongue.
- Tuberculinum: for children who grind their teeth.
To prevent "cancelling out" the medical effect of homeopathic medication, compare "Antidotes" to homeopathic remedies: something to be aware of and avoid.
Background and more bruxism treatment suggestions
See Dental glossary: definition, causes and treatment of bruxism and E-books on TMJ and bruxism (written by former sufferers).