Bruxism, the clinical term for teeth grinding, is a relatively common condition that affects 8 to 16 percent of adults. It can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, headaches, and even tooth damage.
Bruxism is not just a nighttime problem; some people also grind their teeth during the day. If you notice any signs of bruxism in yourself or a loved one, talk to your dentist to find out how to stop grinding your teeth.
Coping with bruxism can be difficult, especially if you are unsure of why you’re grinding your teeth. Whether you’ve just discovered your nighttime teeth grinding habit or have been struggling with it for years, there are ways to manage the situation and get a good night’s sleep again.
Teeth grinding is a common problem that can have diverse causes. The practice of teeth grinding (or bruxism) can damage your teeth and cause many other health problems. Teeth grinding can be very annoying to both the grinder and their family, so it’s important to address it as soon as possible.
What is bruxism?
Most people with bruxism are unaware they have it, and so don’t seek treatment, but it is still important to be aware of the condition and its symptoms.
Often, bruxism is related to stress and anxiety, so the most effective way to reduce the symptoms is to find ways to reduce the stress in your life, such as regular exercise and meditation.
If these methods aren’t working for you, or you think that your bruxism may be caused by another factor like a medical or dental condition, speak with your doctor or dentist. They may be able to help you treat your bruxism by prescribing medication or recommending other treatments.
Stay relaxed
Bruxism is often caused by stress and anxiety, so finding ways to relax can help you stop grinding your teeth. If you’re prone to anxiety, try exercising more frequently or doing yoga. If you know a particular situation is going to be stressful, prepare in advance and think about how you’ll deal with it. That might mean avoiding a stressful situation altogether, which can be the best way of coping with it in some cases.
Change your sleeping habits
Sleep experts recommend keeping a regular bedtime schedule and going to bed when you feel tired. Avoiding caffeine before bedtime and taking steps to relieve stress are also good sleep hygiene habits for everyone. In order to be able to create a good sleeping habit, you need to create rituals that will calm you down and prepare you for sleep. Prepare a warm bath for yourself, drink herbal tea and read a book before going to bed. Small habits will relax you and help you sleep better.
Talk to a doctor about medication
If you take muscle relaxers or antidepressants, ask your doctor whether they could be causing you to grind your teeth at night. You may need a different dosage or a new prescription that doesn’t cause this side effect.
Wear a night guard
A night guard is a mouthpiece that prevents you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. Wearing mouth guard for sleeping is one of the most effective ways to prevent damage from bruxism and reduce pain in your jaw. You can buy a night guard at the pharmacy or talk to your dentist about having a custom one made for you. This device fits over your upper or lower teeth and prevents them from coming together while you sleep, protecting your teeth and jaw from damage.
Regular exercise
Exercise is a good way to relieve stress and reduce tension in your body — two factors that contribute to teeth grinding. It also improves sleep quality and increases endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) in the brain. If you are not currently going to the gym, you can try to go swimming or walk for at least an hour every day. Staying in nature will have a positive impact on your mental and physical health.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause a wide variety of symptoms and problems, including ear aches, headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and damaged teeth. So if you have bruxism, it’s worth knowing how to cope with it. The first step is to visit your dentist for a diagnosis. Then you can work together on developing a treatment plan.
We believe that these tips have been useful to you and that you will be able to fight bruxism!