How Do You Stop Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism cary nc is the unconscious clenching and grinding and can cause an array of other serious issues to your teeth and jaw. Malocclusion, medical conditions and some medications and stress are all major causes of bruxism. Grinding your teeth can be hard to recognize if it is happening while you are asleep. Some symptoms you may notice are headaches radiating from your temples, a tight or sore jaw upon waking, and flattened or chipped teeth. Your partner may even be able to hear you grinding in your sleep! If you feel that you may have a problem with bruxism, speak with your dentist and see if you should consider being fit for a mouth guard.
Below are some tips to try if bruxism is an issue for you.
- Relax! Perhaps this is easier said than done but stress and anxiety are a huge factor in the causes of bruxism so if you can find a way to relieve daily stress before you go to bed, it can help reduce grinding.
- Try to exercise and/or take a warm bath before bedtime. Even just a walk after dinner can greatly reduce stress and help your body relax. A warm shower or bath will do the same and if you are not keen on bathing before bed, you can simply hold a warm washcloth to your jaw for a few minutes to loosen the muscles. You may also use a heating pad on a low setting.
- Alternately, if you have the ability to give yourself a little facial massage, this can also help loosen jaw muscles.
- Avoid overly chewy foods including gum. You will also want to avoid any habits you may have of chewing on non food items, such as pens and pencils.
- Develop new habits and be mindful of clenching during the day. When you are not speaking, your mouth should be closed in the fashion of lips together, teeth apart! If you notice yourself clenching, drop your jaw to a comfortable, relaxed position and do your best to maintain that position throughout your day.
- Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake as they can exacerbate nightly bruxism.
- Wear a day or night guard. Your dentist will be able to have a guard fabricated for you at their dental lab. These guards are made from a hard plastic and fit over your upper teeth to protect your teeth from the effects of your grinding and clenching. While it will not stop your bruxism, it will reduce the likelihood that you will wear your teeth down or chip and crack them!
If you feel that you have an overabundance of anxiety and stress in your daily life, you may benefit from speaking with a psychologist or therapist. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a guard even if you should choose to seek counseling. Stress takes time to work through so a guard can help alleviate your bruxism in the meantime.
Medications can have some influence on your bruxism as well. Speak with your medical professional to see if there is an alternate medication they can prescribe.
More on Bruxism & Teeth Grinding : Known Causes of Bruxism