How To Stop Teeth Grinding?
Grinding your teeth is a common issue that many patients face at some point in their lives. Also called bruxism, the unconscious clenching and/or grinding of the teeth is often a nighttime issue, typically during sleep. But some patients experience bruxism during the day as well. A few things are known to cause bruxism, though one definitive reason cannot be pinpointed. Malocclusion, underlying medical conditions, stress, and even certain medications can all cause bruxism.
Symptoms of bruxism are usually most obvious right upon waking and may include: headaches radiating from your temples, tight or sore jaw muscles, worn or chipped teeth. If you feel that you may have a problem with bruxism, speak with your dentist as soon as possible so they can diagnose and begin any necessary treatment.
Can I treat bruxism at home?
Bruxism should be diagnosed by a dental or medical professional, but there are some steps you can take to alleviate symptoms on your own.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Give yourself a face massage to help loosen jaw muscles.
- Avoid overly chewy foods, including gum.
Find a way to relieve daily stress before you go to bed. Exercise and/or take a warm bath; even a short walk after dinner can greatly reduce stress and help your body relax. A warm shower or bath will do the same or you can hold a warm washcloth or heating pad to your jaw for a few minutes to loosen the muscles.
If you suffer from bruxism during waking hours, be mindful of clenching. When you are not speaking, your mouth should be in a neutral position: closed with lips together, teeth apart. If you notice yourself clenching, bring your jaw back to this neutral position and do your best to maintain it throughout your day.
Additionally, custom dental guards can be fabricated to protect your teeth and ease the impact of bruxism. Your dentist can have a guard fabricated for you at their dental lab. Day and night 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. If you work or go to school and do not want to wear a guard on your upper teeth, one can be made for the lower teeth and is much less noticeable.
If you feel that you have an abundance of anxiety and stress in your daily life, you may benefit from speaking with a therapist. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a guard even if you choose to seek counseling, since stress takes time to work through, a guard can help alleviate bruxism in the meantime.
Certain medications list bruxism as a side effect, so you may also want to consider speaking with your prescribing doctor to see if an alternative is available. The best way to stop teeth grinding is to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose your individual problem and either provide treatment or recommend a specialist.