How to Stop Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a very common problem that many patients experience at some point in their lives. Bruxism most often occurs during sleep, but some patients may notice bruxism during the day as well. There are quite a few factors that contribute to teeth grinding, including sleep disorders, underlying medical conditions, stress and anxiety, and malocclusion (a misaligned bite). There are also medications used to treat anxiety and psychiatric disorders that can cause bruxism.

Left untreated, patients who suffer from bruxism often experience severe jaw pain, neck pain, and frequent headaches. They also have a higher risk of tooth damage in the form of abnormal wear, chips, and fractures. It is important to speak with your dentist if you identify with some of these symptoms so that they can help determine why you might be grinding your teeth. Understanding the cause will help determine the best treatment going forward.

How to Stop Teeth Grinding

Change Lifestyle Habits

Here are a few things you can do at home to alleviate symptoms of bruxism. Certain lifestyle habits can impact your sleep and may contribute to bruxism, including alcohol and caffeine intake as well as tobacco use. Where possible, it is beneficial not only to your overall health but to the health of your jaw and teeth to minimize consumption of these stimulants.

Pay Attention to Stress

Stress and anxiety also contribute to bruxism. Finding ways to relieve everyday stress before bedtime can help your body relax and decrease the chance that you will grind your teeth in your sleep. A short walk after dinner or a warm bath before bed can greatly reduce stress and help relax muscles, preparing your body for rest. You could also use a warm compress or heating pad held to your jaw for a few minutes to loosen muscles before sleep.

If you suffer from bruxism during waking hours, try to take note of when you find yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. When possible, take the time to relax your face and set your jaw to a neutral position.

Speaking with a therapist can also greatly improve your daily stress levels by working through everyday issues that increase stress. This is a long-term solution that will take a bit of time, but your dentist can help alleviate the effects of bruxism while you continue to improve your quality of life.

Change Daily Medications

If you take a medication regularly that lists bruxism as a side effect, speak with your doctor to see if there is an alternative. Do not stop or start any medication without speaking with your doctor first.

Get a Mouthguard

A custom mouthguard is a great way to not only protect your teeth but also to alleviate tension in your jaw. Your dentist can fabricate a guard for you to wear when it is most beneficial for you. If you grind your teeth during the day, a guard can be worn on the lower teeth to be less noticeable. A night guard is typically worn on the upper teeth.

Bruxism can have a major impact on the overall health of your teeth. It is important to speak with your dentist so they can help identify the cause of your teeth grinding and take the appropriate steps towards treatment.

Related Article: What Causes Bruxism?