You wake up with a dull headache, tight jaw, and aching teeth—again. Your partner mentions hearing grinding sounds at night, or maybe your dentist pointed out worn enamel during your last cleaning. If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone—and more importantly, you have options that go beyond just covering the symptom.
Learning how to stop grinding teeth (bruxism) starts with understanding that your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your body. Stress, sleep disruptions, inflammation, airway issues, and even nutritional gaps can all play a role. In 2026, we’re seeing a welcome shift away from one-size-fits-all appliances and toward personalized, root-cause care that honors your unique biology.
At our practice, we look at grinding through a holistic lens—one that considers your nervous system, your breathing patterns, your whole health history, and the biocompatibility of any materials we introduce into your body.
What the Top 3 Articles Agree On
When you search for solutions to teeth grinding, you’ll find broad consensus on several key points:
- Night guards or mouth guards are the most common protective device recommended
- Stress and anxiety are widely recognized as primary triggers
- Lifestyle factors like caffeine, alcohol, and smoking increase grinding risk
- Sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea, are strongly linked to bruxism
- Jaw exercises and relaxation techniques can provide relief
- Common symptoms include jaw pain, tooth wear, morning headaches, and facial soreness
- Certain medications (particularly SSRIs) can cause or worsen grinding
- Bite misalignment may contribute to unconscious clenching
These foundations are important—and we incorporate them. But they’re just the starting point.
What Current Guidance Says in 2026
Recent perspectives emphasize that many people grind without realizing it, and symptoms like jaw soreness, worn tooth surfaces, and morning headaches are key warning signs. Sleep apnea is increasingly recognized as a major contributor, with grinding potentially being a response to disrupted breathing or low oxygen levels during sleep.
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and counseling are now considered key interventions. Exercise is recommended for its ability to reduce stress, increase endorphins, and decrease teeth grinding.The conversation has evolved to include behavioral changes, biofeedback, and even botulinum toxin injections for severe cases. Yet what’s still missing from most mainstream discussions is a deeper dive into why your body is responding this way—and what you can do to support lasting change at the systemic level.
How Dr. Sharon Dickerson’s 30+ Years of Holistic Experience Makes the Difference
We don’t just hand you a night guard and send you on your way. With over three decades of experience in biological dentistry, Dr. Dickerson has helped hundreds of patients not only protect their teeth, but also address the underlying imbalances driving their grinding.
Our Approach Includes
- A comprehensive 2-hour holistic intake
We review your entire health history, stress patterns, sleep quality, diet, medications, environmental exposures, and past dental trauma—often revealing contributing factors other practices miss. - Biocompatible, custom-fitted appliances
When a night guard is appropriate, it is fabricated using materials tested for compatibility with your unique biology—no toxic plastics, no one-size-fits-all solutions. - Fluoride-free, mercury-free care
We prioritize non-toxic, minimally invasive materials to reduce your body’s inflammatory burden. - A prevention-first philosophy
Our goal is not just symptom relief, but long-term resilience and healing.
Choosing a trauma-informed, patient-centered practice means care that meets you where you are—with gentleness, transparency, and respect for your nervous system.
The Whole-Body Connection: Why Grinding Isn’t Just About Your Teeth
Bioesthetic Dentistry: A Root-Cause Approach to TMJ-Driven Grinding
For many people, grinding isn’t just “stress”—it’s also a mechanical compensation. If your bite isn’t evenly balanced, your jaw muscles may overwork at night to find stability. Over time, that compensation can irritate the TMJ, strain facial muscles, and reinforce clenching and grinding patterns.That’s where Bioesthetic Dentistry can be a game-changer. Instead of only protecting the teeth, it looks at how your bite, jaw position, muscle function, and airway patterns work together—then builds a plan that supports long-term stability. For patients whose grinding is connected to TMJ dysfunction or bite imbalance, this approach can reduce the “why” behind the habit, not just the damage it causes.
Airway, Breathing, and Sleep Quality
Many patients who grind their teeth are unknowingly struggling with airway issues. Mouth breathing, tongue posture problems, or anatomical restrictions can compromise oxygen flow during sleep. Grinding may be part of an arousal response to reopen the airway.
We assess breathing patterns, tongue position, and airway anatomy as part of our intake. In some cases, myofunctional therapy can be transformative—reducing grinding while improving energy, mood, and vitality.
Inflammation, Nutrition, and the Nervous System
Chronic inflammation heightens pain sensitivity and muscle tension, including in the jaw. Nutritional deficiencies—particularly magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins—can contribute to muscle spasms and nervous system dysregulation.
We explore gut health, food sensitivities, and micronutrient gaps, supporting you with anti-inflammatory nutrition and targeted supplementation when appropriate.
TMJ, Craniosacral Alignment, and Fascial Tension
The jaw joint (TMJ) connects to the skull, neck, and entire fascial system. Tension or misalignment in one area can create compensation patterns that manifest as grinding.
We collaborate with craniosacral therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors when deeper structural work is needed.
The Hidden Burden: Mercury, Heavy Metals, and Toxin Load
Old amalgam (mercury) fillings can contribute to systemic inflammation and neurological stress. While not a cure, many patients report reduced tension after safe amalgam removal.
Our mercury-free practice follows strict SMART protocols to protect you, our team, and the environment.
Trauma-Informed Dentistry: Creating Safety for Your Nervous System
Dental anxiety and past trauma can drive jaw tension. Clenching may be a somatic response to fear or unresolved stress.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach Includes
- Transparent communication
- Patient-controlled pacing and breaks
- Nervous system support, including calming environments and sedation options when appropriate
- Collaboration, not coercion
When your nervous system feels safe, chronic tension patterns—including grinding—can begin to release.
Practical Strategies: What You Can Start Doing Today
- Daily jaw awareness: Practice a neutral jaw position—tongue on the roof of the mouth, teeth slightly apart.
- Stress-reduction rituals: Breathwork, meditation, gentle yoga, time in nature, or creative expression.
- Sleep hygiene: Consistent routines, reduced screen time, limited caffeine, and a cool, dark bedroom.
- Jaw stretches and massage: Gentle massage, slow opening and closing, or warm compresses.
- Reduce inflammatory triggers: Limit alcohol, processed foods, and sugar; prioritize hydration and whole foods.
- Seek collaborative care: Dentists, therapists, bodyworkers, and functional medicine providers.
How Holistic Care Differs: A Comparison
Conventional Approach
Symptom management
Standard plastic night guard
Limited appointment time
Dental-only focus
Fluoride-based treatments
Transactional care
Holistic/Biological Approach
Root-cause resolution
Custom, biocompatible appliance
Comprehensive 2-hour intake
Whole-body assessment
Fluoride-free protocols
Relationship-based care
What It Means for You (2026)
Addresses why grinding happens
Reduced toxic exposure
Your full story is heard
Sleep, stress, nutrition, airway
Lower chemical burden
Partnership in healing
Building Your Long-Term Plan: What to Expect
- Initial phase (Months 1–3): Assessment, appliance fabrication if needed, identification of stressors.
- Stabilization phase (Months 3–6): Refinement, lifestyle integration, collaborative care as needed.
- Maintenance (6+ months): Ongoing check-ins, adjustments, and prevention.
Your teeth grinding is trying to tell you something. When you listen with curiosity instead of frustration, healing becomes possible.
Why Choose an Eco-Friendly, Mercury-Free Practice
We minimize radiation through digital imaging, use eco-friendly sterilization, and select materials safe for you and the planet.
Our thoughtfully designed office in the Denver/Boulder/Colorado Springs region emphasizes calm, natural light, air purification, and compassionate care. Learn more here.
Innovations in Biological Dentistry: Bioclear and Beyond
For significant wear, chips, or gaps caused by grinding, we offer Bioclear dentistry—a minimally invasive, biocompatible restorative approach that preserves tooth structure while restoring strength and aesthetics.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Comfort, One Night at a Time
If you’ve been searching for how to stop grinding teeth, you’ve likely found information—but not always hope. Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Teeth grinding is a signal, not a life sentence. With whole-person care and evidence-based support, you can reduce or eliminate grinding while improving overall health.
Ready to explore next steps?
Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
FAQs
Can grinding your teeth cause permanent damage?
Yes. Chronic grinding can wear enamel, cause fractures, strain the TMJ, and contribute to gum recession or bone loss. Early intervention helps prevent long-term damage.
Why is a holistic approach to teeth grinding important?
Grinding is rarely just a dental issue. It is often connected to stress, sleep disorders, airway dysfunction, inflammation, or nutritional imbalances. Holistic care addresses root causes for sustainable relief.
Are all night guards the same?
No. Over-the-counter guards may contain BPA or phthalates. We create custom appliances using biocompatible materials tested for safety and comfort.
How do I know if my grinding is related to dental anxiety or past trauma?
Jaw clenching during stress, hypervigilance, or persistent facial tension can indicate a trauma component. Our trauma-informed dental care prioritizes nervous system safety.
Can children grind their teeth, and should I be worried?
Yes. Bruxism is common in children and often resolves with growth. Persistent symptoms or airway concerns warrant evaluation.
What role does magnesium play in teeth grinding?
Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. Deficiency may worsen grinding; optimization can be supportive as part of a broader plan.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Without treatment, wear usually continues. Teeth can become more sensitive, more prone to chipping or breaking, and sometimes more difficult to restore conservatively later. In advanced cases, the bite can collapse, affecting jaw comfort, chewing, and facial appearance.
