Do you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth at night? Dentists report that since the pandemic, cases of people having jaw pain and broken or chipped teeth from teeth grinding are on the rise. This is true in people who previously had it and those who’ve never experienced it before in their life.
Grinding your teeth when you sleep can lead to facial pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, and even dislocation of the jaw. Would you like to know how to stop grinding your teeth to avoid these issues and more?
Let’s explore how to stop teeth grinding.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, is often related to stress and anxiety. It can come on during stressful periods or if you have ongoing problems with anxiety. It has also been noted in people who are competitive, hurried, or aggressive.
Some medications can also cause you to start grinding your teeth. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are a type of antidepressant. It’s also been linked with snoring, sleep apnea, smoking, drinking alcohol, and caffeine.
Sometimes, the cause is unclear.
How to Stop Teeth Grinding in Sleep
To stop grinding your teeth in your sleep, head to the best family dentist in town.
They can help by custom-making mouthguards that prevent your teeth from rubbing against each other at night. Often called nightguards, you put these in before you go to sleep. They’re custom-made for a comfortable fit and protect your teeth from further damage.
Another way your family dentist can help is with reductive coronoplasty.
This is a dental technique that reduces the height of teeth with the goal of leveling the biting surface. Additive coronoplasty is a similar technique that builds the teeth up. These techniques can reduce the painful symptoms of TMD, which causes headaches and jaw pain in people who grind their teeth.
Other Methods to Stop Teeth Grinding
Identifying the cause of teeth grinding can help you get to the root of the problem.
If it is caused by your medication, your doctor may suggest switching to an alternative. You will have to weigh up the pros and cons of the change but this may stop the problem.
If stress is the cause of your bruxism, stress-reduction techniques may help. Breathing and relaxation techniques can help you to relax the muscles in your face.
Talk therapy can also help to reduce the stress and anxiety that cause you to grind your teeth. Exercise can also help.
Your doctor or dentist may also be able to recommend some exercises for your tongue and jaw. These can help to keep your jaw properly aligned and relax your facial muscles. A physical therapist may also be able to help in this way.
The Bottom Line: How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
It can be hard to stop grinding your teeth, especially when it happens during your sleep. But if relaxation techniques and exercise don’t help, it’s good to get a custom mouthguard. This can protect your teeth from further damage and other uncomfortable side effects.
For more handy hints and tips, be sure to check out our Health section today!
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