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The Chicago Dental Society recently surveyed 250 dentists and found that 65% of respondents have seen more patients who grind and clench their teeth lately. In the article posted in the Sun Times, one dentist said he’s seen about a 25% increase. The general consensus is that people are grinding out of stress caused by the poor economy. So what do you tell your bruxing patients? These tips and resources can help!

• If you have a website (and we hope you do!), add a blog or page that explains bruxism, the symptoms, and your recommended treatments.

• Many dentists recommend the NTI-tss for bruxers. A recent redesign has made the NTI-tss website user friendly and more informative. Patients can access video explanations, explanation of the condition, a list of NTI providers, and how the device is created. They cannot order the appliance online – only dentists with passwords can make Internet orders. To treat headaches and migraines, Keller Lab offers the NTI-tss Plus, which also has a great website.

• If you don’t use the NTI, to explain bruxism to patients, you could send them to the UK’s Bruxism Association website: www.bruxism.org.uk. This site defines the condition and reviews the dangers. As for treatment, patients can purchase the SleepRight mouthguard on this website, but relaxation exercises, drug therapy, Botox treatment, dietary suggestions, and biofeedback are also covered.

• The American Dental Association offers a limited amount of patient education about bruxism. You’ll find a short article, but that’s about it. However, the Academy of General Dentistry, at the consumer website Know Your Teeth, provides more comprehensive information directed toward the patient.

• For patients whose bruxism has led to TMJ disorder, the conditino  is explained pretty well at the Healthline website.