Habitually clenching or grinding your teeth while you’re asleep or awake is called “bruxism.” If you do this once in a while, it doesn’t pose a problem. But if you do it a lot, it can cause a variety of serious issues, including jaw pain and headaches, as well as teeth that are worn, broken or even loose. Bruxism can also damage existing dental restorations and appliances such as bridges, dentures, crowns and implants.
Now for the good news: there are effective remedies that will help you to stop grinding your teeth. Here are some of those:
- Relieving stress – One of the leading causes of bruxism is stress, so taking steps to reduce your level of anxiety and stress can reduce the amount of time you spend grinding or clenching your teeth. There are a variety of ways to reduce stress, including regular exercise or enjoying a warm bath before bed, for example. Talk to your dentist or doctor for more ideas on how to alleviate stress.
- Be aware of your habits while you’re awake – If you habitually clench your teeth while you’re awake, stay aware of this bad habit and make a conscious effort to keep your teeth apart when your mouth is closed. Simply being aware of habits, and making the effort to stop the bad ones, can make a huge difference.
- Wearing a night guard – Talk to your dentist about night guards. These are appliances designed to be worn at night while you’re asleep. They keep the teeth separated and help to open up the airway in the back of the mouth. Your dentist can create a custom-fit night guard that will help protect your teeth if you grind them at night.
- Relax your jaw – Applying a warm wet cloth to your jaw, or gently massaging the area in and around your jaw before you go to bed, can help ease the tension in the jaw muscle. This will help to reduce jaw clenching while you sleep, and may also help to alleviate any discomfort in the jaw that is a result of teeth grinding and clenching.
If you suffer from bruxism, talk to your doctor or dentist. This condition can be effectively treated, often by using a combination of techniques designed to protect your teeth and alleviate the stress that may be the reason behind the habit to begin with. The first step is to have an honest, candid discussion with your healthcare providers.
