How to Stop Grinding Teeth

By: Smileway Dental

What is Grinding Teeth (Bruxism)

Grinding teeth or the specific name is Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have griding teeth (bruxism), you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism).

Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who are clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).

Mild bruxism may not require any treatment. However, in some people, grinding teeth (bruxism) can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems.

Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding can often be caused by stress and anxiety, they can also occur during sleep and are more likely to be caused by abnormal or missing teeth or crooked teeth. It can also be caused by sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

How Do I Find Out if I Grind My Teeth?

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up is a symptom of grinding teeth (bruxism). Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, it’s better to go to dental clinic and talk to your dentist about this. Doctor can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of grinding teeth (bruxism), such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear on your teeth.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Firstly, you can go to dental clinic and your dentist can advise you to use a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor or dentist about options to reduce your stress. Secondly,you also can attending stress counselling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

If a sleeping disorder is causing the grinding, treating it may reduce or eliminate the grinding habit.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:

Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.
Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

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