At night, people grind their teeth in German bedrooms like crazy: more than half of adults grind their teeth occasionally, one in five often - and one in twelve so badly that they should seek treatment. "Without therapy and protection, people would bite down their tooth enamel while they slept," says Jens Christoph Türp from the University Center for Dentistry in Basel.

Teeth grinding is mainly caused by emotional stress. Bruxism cannot be cured, but it can be improved. Dental splints are an indispensable therapy. It should cover all the teeth in a jaw and have a flat surface, recommends Türp. The costs vary, and the cash register also pays for helpful models.

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