Prevent Teeth Grinding With These Tips

Here’s what you need to know about bruxism and how a custom night guard can help.

Bruxism Explained

This common condition describes the excessive grinding or clenching of teeth. Bruxism can occur either during the day or at night and sufferers are typically not aware of their behavior until symptoms are felt later on. 

For example, someone who grinds their teeth at night may wake up in the morning with a headache or tooth pain and not know the immediate cause. Both adults and children can be diagnosed with bruxism which can range from mild to severe.

You may have bruxism if you have experienced:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity 
• Pain or soreness in the jaw, neck, or face
• Worn tooth enamel
• Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
• Dull headaches
• Jaw muscles that are tight, tired, or locked
• Sleep disruption that often results in fatigue
• Loud grinding or clenching noticed by a loved one

Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?

The reason behind a patient’s bruxism is not always clear. Most often, grinding or clenching happens due to stress or anxiety. Other known causes may be alcohol use, cigarettes, caffeine, sleep apnea, or a misaligned bite. 

Talking with our dentists about your level of stress or lifestyle habits can help uncover the root cause of your bruxism. A more in-depth oral examination will also reveal any damage that has been done as a result of your teeth grinding. 

Depending on the degree to which you grind or clench, restorative dental procedures, like dental crowns, may be required to strengthen weakened teeth. Most mild cases of bruxism do not lead to additional dental work, but when needed, our dentists will discuss a treatment plan with you.

What You Can Do 

Whether it’s anxiety induced or the result of too much coffee, bruxism can be treated by our dentists and at home. Here are 4 tips that when practiced, can limit the frequency of how much you grind or clench your teeth. 

1. Wear a Custom Night Guard While Sleeping

This treatment option is best for patients who suffer from nighttime bruxism and grind or clench while asleep. By wearing the custom-made night guard provided by our dentists, you effectively put a barrier between your top and bottom teeth so they can’t touch. Because of this, the act of grinding and clenching becomes difficult. 

Night guards also help to cushion the jaw muscles if you do clench during the night. When worn, the night guard lessens the tension put on the jaw and prevents pain in the area or loss of tooth enamel. 

2. Take It Easy on the Caffeine and Alcohol 

While both caffeine and alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, their consumption can increase the risk of bruxism in some individuals. Take note of how much you have on a regular basis and if needed, cut back to avoid unwanted tooth damage, headaches, jaw pain, and more.

Be sure to also ask our dentists about having a night guard created to give your teeth added protection while you’re sleeping. This will at least prevent grinding or clenching if you do decide to have an extra cup of coffee during the day. 

3. Pay Attention to Daytime Grinding or Clenching

For those who have a habit of unknowingly grinding or clenching during the work day, try paying attention to when it happens. You might come to realize that you’re clenching a lot when you shouldn’t be and that you have the power to stop if you become aware of what you’re doing.

When you catch yourself grinding or clenching, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. Practicing this will train your jaw muscles to relax. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while for this to set in. Just keep trying and it’ll become easier. Your jaw and teeth will thank you!

4. Get Relaxed Before Bed

Are you more stressed or anxious than usual? There’s a high chance those feelings are spilling over into your sleep and causing you to grind or clench. To relax before climbing into bed, we recommend trying a stress reduction technique. 

This can be meditation, yoga, listening to music, light exercise, or something else. As long as it puts you at ease and calms you down, it should help you sleep more soundly and reduce your bruxism.

Give Your Teeth and Jaw a Rest

If you’re tired of waking up with sore teeth, gums, and jaw, a night guard may be in your future. Our dentists in Cadillac, MI, can custom tailor an oral appliance to fit you so your teeth are not able to make contact if you grind at night. Get started by calling LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 or contact us online to request an appointment.