Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Ways to Help You Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Some people wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw. While this could be due to a few conditions, it is often linked to teeth grinding at night or clenching the jaw while sleeping. Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, can do extensive damage to the teeth and, if it happens on a regular basis, can erode away the teeth’s enamel. Stress and anxiety is one cause of teeth grinding, abnormal bites and missing or crocked teeth can also be a cause for this behavior. It is important to visit a dentist but here are some ways to help prevent excessive grinding before your appointment.
Relieve Stress
Since stress is often the cause of teeth grinding, taking steps to alleviate the stress can help the grinding to slow down or even stop. Some things that are effective in relieving stress include physical exercise, taking a warm bath, practicing meditation, or any ways that work for you to help you relax. While these measures can be taken at any time of the day, it is important to try and decompress right before bed.
Wearing a Mouth Guard
While there are specialized mouth guards created for teeth grinding, it is possible to protect teeth using the same type of mouth guard children use in sports. Using a mouth guard will help to protect the enamel from the wear and tear caused by teeth grinding and may even help to alleviate some of the pain the next morning. You can find mouth guards at your local sporting goods store or you can opt to have one custom made for your mouth by your dentist.
Massage Your Jaw
Teeth grinding can often cause an individual’s jaw to be very sore the next day. A great way to calm the soreness is to practice a mini jaw massage to help loosen the muscles and return to a normal range of motion. Additionally, those who suffer from a sore jaw should also avoid chewing on items that are not food, such as pens or pencils, plastic caps, or other items to help give the jaw a break.
Awareness
For those who find themselves grinding their teeth during the day, it is important to be aware of this behavior and actively work to stop the grinding right when it begins. When you feel yourself begin to grind your teeth, immediately relax your jaw and concentrate on what the mouth is doing. For those who grind their teeth at night, it is important to see a dentist to have the mouth and jaw evaluated.
If you have had problems grinding your teeth, it may be time to visit a dentist. New Hampshire discount dental plans such as the Wellness Dental plan can save you as much as 20 percent off all annual and emergency dental bills. For more information, click here.
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