If you grind your teeth frequently, you are not alone. However, this common habit can be very detrimental to your dental health. Family dentistry experts explain that when you clench down on your teeth, you can gradually wear down the enamel and make them more susceptible to chips and cracks. Here are six helpful tips to stop teeth grinding for good.
Reduce Stress in Your Life
People are more likely to grind your teeth if they are under a lot of stress. Reducing some of your anxiety can help you stop this harmful habit. When you feel stressed out, try doing something relaxing, such as taking a brisk walk, meditating or doing yoga. If you still can’t take control of your stress, you should think about talking to a professional therapist.
Put a Warm Washcloth on Your Jaw
Before you go to bed, place a warm washcloth on your jaw for 10 minutes or so. Doing this will help relax your jaw muscles, so you will be less likely to grind your teeth while you sleep.
Wear a Mouth Guard
Some people find it unavoidable to grind their teeth at night. If you’re among these people, you may want to ask your dentist for a custom mouth guard. This device will prevent you from grinding your teeth at night and damaging them. Your dentist can give you one that fits in your mouth comfortably.
Avoid Chewing Gum
If you are trying to stop teeth grinding, it is best to avoid chewing gum. When you chew gum, your jaw muscles have to work extra hard, stressing them out. If your jaw muscles are more relaxed, you will be less likely to grind your teeth.
Don’t Drink Alcohol before Bedtime
It is not a wise idea to drink alcoholic beverages too close to bedtime. If you drink alcohol right before you go to sleep, you will be more likely to wake up during the night, increasing your chances of teeth grinding.
Massage Your Jaw
Another way you can decrease teeth grinding is to massage your jaw before you go to bed. Gently massage your jaw in circular motions for about fix minutes to loosen everything up. Your jaw muscles will be more relaxed, making you less likely to grind your teeth.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can stop grinding your teeth and keep your pearly whites healthy. It also helps to visit a family dental clinic in Greenville, SC, like Falls Park Dentistry, to help you in your teeth grinding problem.
Sources:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism), MedicineNet
How to Stop Grinding Teeth, HowStuffWorks