The Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache reported that 8 to 31.4 percent of people experience bruxism, the name of the diagnosis for unconsciously clenching, grinding, or gnashing your teeth. Untreated bruxism can lead to tooth wear/loss, fractured tooth cusps and broken fillings, poor sleep quality and many other symptoms. Despite all of the research, dentists still do not fully understand what causes bruxism. However, there are some known factors that can increase the risk of a bruxism diagnosis: stress, age, personality, medications, genetics, and other health disorders. A properly fitted night guard is more likely to support healthy alignment, avoid damaging your gums, and last longer.