Teeth grinding, or "bruxism," is a highly damaging condition for your teeth and can lead to other health complications. If you’re suffering from teeth grinding or suspect you might be, we recommend consulting your dentist and following these easy remedies that can alleviate your pain and ease your worries. Teeth grinding is usually the result of stress and occurs typically during the night while you’re asleep. It can also be a signs of obstructive sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. To learn how to stop grinding your teeth, read the steps below.
- Reduce stress: Try counseling, exercise, or meditation. Since an excess of stress is the primary cause of teeth grinding, try taking serious measures toward stress relief.
- Eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet: Caffeine is a chemical stimulant that makes it difficult for you (and your muscles) to relax. Meanwhile, alcohol is a depressant that interrupts a healthy sleep cycle. It makes your sleep less restful, which in turn increases your teeth grinding!
- Don’t chew on non-foods: Chewing on non-food items like pens or pencils is a stress-related habit and should be avoided. Instead, chew sugar-free gum whenever you want to nibble on a non-food, and gradually wean yourself off.
- Train yourself to stop clenching your jaw: During the day, you can train yourself to not clench your jaw. Place your tongue between your teeth whenever you notice that your teeth are grinding or gritted, or when your jaw is tensed.
- Add supplements to your diet: Calcium and magnesium supplements can increase your muscle function and aid in the health of your nervous system. Teeth grinding wears away at your teeth and muscle, while your stress puts a strain on your nervous system. These supplements can help counteract those issues.
- Relax before bed: Because teeth grinding occurs mostly at night during sleep, take steps to relax before bed so that you will be less likely to grind. Try things like head, neck, and shoulder massages, listening to soothing music, or reading. Turn off the TV and the computer an hour before bed to reduce sensory overload, which stresses the body.
- Get a mouth guard: After consulting a dentist, get a mouth guard to wear while you sleep. This protects your teeth and jaw from grinding.
- There is a new FDA approved ear canal insert: This is new to the market and fits in the ear to help train you not to clench & grind.
- BOTOX injections: Very specific injections of BOTOX are made in the muscle groups of the head & neck to decrease the pressure you can place on the teeth and reduce headaches.
- Speak to a dentist: If you grind your teeth, you may be subject to extenuating health issues. Dentists can diagnose these problems, so speak to a dentist as soon as you can to avoid further issues.
Grinding your teeth can lead to fractures or even the loosening or loss of your teeth. It also affects your jaw and muscles, so you may be susceptible to TMJ/TMD. If you find yourself constantly grinding your teeth or if you have noticed jaw pain, headaches, or dizziness, consult a dentist immediately.
Need to schedule an appointment? Call us at: 562-434-6414.
