Teeth grinding is anything that goes beyond teeth clenching. You might have this bad habit and not even realize it. You see, it comes naturally to those who have been doing it for long enough. However, this only makes its consequences more painful and severe. Fill out our patient form to share the specifics of this habit with our dentist in Bingham Farms.
Today’s blog shares some of the many ways to stop grinding your teeth and avoid its short- and long-term side effects.
Wear a Mouthguard
Bruxism is an unconscious habit, meaning you can even do it in your sleep. Constantly grinding your teeth chips away their enamel, exposing them to harmful plaque-containing bacteria.
Making a conscious effort during your waking hours and wearing a mouthguard before turning in is the most common way to stop grinding your teeth. Since a store-bought mouthguard might make you uncomfortable, we highly recommend a customized mouthguard tailored to your teeth.
Take a Hint from the Causes
When you don’t have sleep bruxism, you have awake bruxism. In this case, you might not want to wear a mouthguard while out and about. However, you can address its causes instead.
Awake teeth grinding is a coping strategy against conditions like:
- Stress
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Feelings of anger
The only way to prevent this harmful coping mechanism is to replace it with something else. For instance, many people exercise to release stress, frustration, and anger. You can, too, instead of letting these emotions manifest into bruxism.
Relax Your Jaw Muscles Before Bed
Sleep teeth grinding is made easier by clenched jaws. Prevent this unconscious action despite its mental or dental health causes by applying relaxing techniques before bed. You can soak in a hot tub, manually apply something warm to your jaws, or drink a hot beverage like chamomile tea to relax your jaws before bed.
Since perpetually clenched jaws aren’t good for your facial structure, we suggest consciously unclenching whenever stress or anger makes you clench or at least feel like clenching them. Give yourself a jaw massage to relax your clenched jaws periodically.
Avoid Repeated Chewing Motions
You can also avoid eating anything that makes your jaws clench. Chewing gum, ice, or even your pen in repeated motions can lock your jaws. Moreover, chewy foods like well-done steak, popcorn, or any dish that requires repeated chewing motions can clench your jaws.
Instead of quitting these foods entirely, pause their consumption while you’re going through an especially bad spell or seeking restorative treatment.
Visit Our Dentist in Bingham Farms for Restorative Treatment
Come in for a dental examination at our Bingham Farms clinic to appraise the damage that has already been done to your teeth due to bruxism. Our restorative treatments include crown placement, endodontic treatment, and composite fillings.
Schedule your initial exam for top-tier dentistry in Bingham Farms.