How To Stop Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth, commonly known as bruxism, can have serious implications for your oral health. Although it’s expected to grind your teeth now and then, doing so regularly can cause damage and discomfort that lasts all through the day. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth when sleeping. Read on to find out how to avoid grinding your teeth at all times of the day and night.

Side Effects of Teeth Grinding

Although teeth grinding may appear to cause just minor discomfort, it can cause severe and noticeable adverse effects. Allowing your bruxism to continue can lead to other health problems in the long run. Some of the issues that can occur as a result of bruxism include:

• Misshapen teeth
• Enhanced tooth pain and sensitivity
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exhausted jaw muscles
• Headaches
• Cheek deterioration
• Sleep disruption

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

There are several options for stopping tooth grinding during the day and night. Here are some things you can do right now to feel better.

• Consider Buying a Mouthguard. Grinding your teeth regularly can deplete the enamel on your teeth, making them more sensitive to cavities. Sleeping with a mouth guard will, fortunately, protect your teeth. You can opt for a customized guard, which will be more convenient than a one-size-fits-all mouthguard. One of the most effective ways to manage sleep bruxism is wearing a mouth guard every night before sleep.
• Avoid Chewy Foods, and Don’t Chew Anything That Isn’t Food. In order to combat teeth grinding, you’ll need to avoid foods like popcorn, steak, and taffy. They require lots of chewing and can make your jaws tired. If you’re a fan of chewing gums, ice, or even a pen cap, you’ll need to stop this repetitive activity which makes you grind your teeth more.
• Sit and Relax Before You Go To Bed. Before you go to bed, you should let all of the stress in your jaw release. Take a warm shower before night to calm your jaw muscles, and put a warm compress or warm, damp washcloth on your jaw. You can also drink herbal, caffeine-free tea to relax your oral cavity.
• Exercise Regularly. You can incorporate a few sweat sessions into your weekly schedule. Stress is a common cause of bruxism, with pressure portrayed as tooth grinding. Exercise can help you to relieve stress.
• Massage the Jaw Muscles. If you grind your teeth whenever you’re tensed or stressed, you can relax your facial muscles and massage your jaw. This will relieve you of the stress and tension.
• Be Mindful of Your Grinding. Sometimes you may not be aware that you’re grinding your teeth. Try being more conscious of your teeth grinding to help you identify when you’re doing it. Each time you notice yourself grinding your teeth, you can drop your jaw and allow it to hang for a short period. Then gently move into a more relaxed position.

Consult a Dentist

There you have it! Above are some tips to stop nighttime teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth at night can affect your teeth, gums, and dental health. Thankfully, you can prevent this issue by using a personalized mouthguard, avoiding chewy foods, doing regular exercises, and massaging the jaw muscles.

If you are experiencing nighttime teeth grinding, do not hesitate to contact us at Sage Dental Care for a one-on-one consultation. Our specialists will inspect the issue with your teeth and recommend the ideal dental procedure to treat your bruxism. A wonderful experience awaits you.