Do you sometimes wake up with a dull soreness in your jaw or an occasional pain in your teeth? If so, you may be experiencing nocturnal tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, and it’s more common than you think.
Many of us don’t realize we grind our teeth while sleeping until much later on and the effects could cause long-term damage to your pearly whites if left untreated. But don’t worry, there are several strategies available to help protect against this harmful habit.
In this blog post, we will offer 6 practical ways for fighting bruxism, from lifestyle modifications to visiting the dentist and using mouth guards, so that you can get back to smiling bright!
Understand the Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
It is essential to know the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding to identify if you are doing it, especially while sleeping. Some common signs include waking up with a headache, sore jaw, or tooth pain.
If you notice that you clench or grind your teeth during the day, especially when you are stressed, you might also be doing it at night.
Get an Evaluation from a Dentist
Your dentist can observe the damage caused by teeth grinding and assess how severe it is. They can also check if there are other underlying dental or medical conditions that are causing the problem.
Your dentist can provide an appropriate treatment plan that may include night guards or splints to protect your teeth from further damage.
Wear a Hybrid Mouth Night Guard
A hybrid mouth guard is a type of night guard that combines hard and soft materials. These can be custom-made to fit your mouth, providing a comfortable and snug fit. Wearing a mouth guard can protect your teeth from the pressure caused by grinding at night.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth grinding, so reducing stress in your life can help decrease or even eliminate grinding. Consider practicing stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help manage stress levels.
Try Mouth Exercises to Relax Jaw Muscles
Mouth exercises can help to relax your jaw muscles and prevent teeth grinding. By gently moving your jaw around and shifting your tongue to different positions, you can help relax the muscles that are causing the grinding.
One exercise is to put your tongue between your teeth and hold it there for five seconds. Another technique involves opening your mouth as wide as possible, slowly closing it, and then repeating several times.
It may feel a little silly at first, but trust us, it’s worth a try. Plus, it’s a pretty easy step to add to your bedtime routine. Give it a shot and see if it makes a difference in how your teeth feel in the morning.
Try Aromatherapy or Other Relaxation Techniques before Bedtime
Aromatherapy is a natural way to relax and reduce stress that can help prevent teeth grinding. Essential oils such as lavender or chamomile can be added to a diffuser before bed or added to a relaxing bath to promote better sleep.
Other relaxation techniques like warm baths, reading, or listening to calming music can also help you unwind before bedtime.
