How to Stop Grinding Teeth
Bruxism happens subconsciously while a person is asleep, and can lead to several discomforting effects: headache, in the face and jaws. Unfortunately if you find yourself waking up with a sore jaw and having a headache, you could be a grinder. But here is the good news: and it can be treated there and then, remedies can be taken not only to eradicate this but also to safe your smile.
The causes of bruxism include but are not limited to the following.
- Stress and Anxiety: Definitely one of the most frequent roots, it can somatise into bruxism at night.
- Pre-treatment question: some patients never get asked, What do you people do to relapse?.
- Lifestyle Factors: Tobacco, alcohol and caffeine products.
- Drugs: At other times it could be as a side effect of some forms of medication.
How to Successfully Quit Grinding Your Teeth
Mouthguards: Your First Line of Defense
One of the better ways to keep them from grinding is by using a mouthguard. When these appliances fit well, the upper and lower teeth get cushioned and prevented from hitting each other; hence, there is minimal grinding. Your dentist can help make a mouthguard that comfortably fits into your mouth in order to give maximum protection.
Stress Management: Unclench and Relax
Since stress is one of the leading contributors, methods of dealing healthily with it should be resorted to. There are many ways to relax, and these may be implemented into your daily schedule and include but aren't limited to the following:
- Regular Exercise: Especially aerobic ones, as these tend to release endorphins into the body that serve to enhance mood.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Being more aware will make you notice when you can be tensing up your jaw and learn to relax those muscles.
Life Style Modifications: Good hygiene for sound teeth.
Following changes in lifestyle can also make a difference:
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These are best eschewed, primarily when you are going to bed.
- Stop smoking: This can only make the bruxism situation worse as well as all of its attendant problems mentioned above.
Mouth and Jaw Exercises: Retraining Your Muscles
Specific exercises to relax and reeducate your jaw muscles include the following :
- Jaw Relaxation: Open and close your mouth without clenching your jaw.
- Chin Tucks: Lightly hitch your chin directly backward. Hold for a couple of seconds, then release.
Professional Help: When to See Your Dentist
Suspicions that you grind your teeth at night, should be addressed to the dentist.” Your dentist can:
- Get to know how much of the enamel and other tooth surface you have worn away.
- Determine any predisposing condition associated with a dental condition
- Advise regarding the most suitable treatment course, for example, fabrication of a mouth guard.
A proper understanding of oral hygiene will help take responsibility for your oral health. Teeth grinding probably stands as the worst curse to dental health and overall fitness. Understanding what causes it and the techniques mentioned above will make a huge impact in prevention of grinding, and better nights sleep.