Effective Ways to Overcome Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, commonly known as “tooth grinding,” is a widespread illness that affects many people worldwide. Grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth together is a habit that frequently occurs when you’re sleeping. Even though occasional bruxism may not be seriously harmful, it can result in several dental and physical health issues.

It is possible for there to be multiple contributing factors to the development of tooth grinding. The two main causes of bruxism are stress and worry. People under stress may unconsciously clench their jaws or grind their teeth as a coping mechanism. Some lifestyle choices, such as binge drinking, smoking, and recreational drugs, can cause tooth grinding. dental care in Brookline helps you get better insights into the cause and treatment from various experts in the industry. 

• Stress management

Since anxiety and stress are frequent causes of teeth grinding, learning good stress management techniques might help the problem. Consider incorporating relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Taking part in stress-relieving activities like taking warm baths, engaging in hobbies, or listening to relaxing music can also be useful.

• Establish a bedtime routine: 

Create a calming ritual before bed to help your body and mind understand that it is time to relax and get ready for sleep. Before going to bed, stay away from devices and stimulating activities. Choose relaxing activities like reading a book, having a warm bath, or doing light stretching exercises. Creating a regular sleep routine and getting enough restful sleep can help reduce teeth-grinding episodes.

• Avoid stimulating substances:  

Avoid stimulating stimulants because they may worsen a person’s tendency to grind their teeth. Alcohol and other stimulants, such as caffeine (found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate), should be used in moderation as they can cause bruxism and increase muscular activity. Avoid recreational drug use and smoking because both might exacerbate your teeth-grinding tendencies.

• Change oral habits: 

Become conscious of any routines or conduct that might be causing you to grind your teeth, and try to change them. Avoid chewing on gum, pencils, or pens, for example, as this might encourage your jaw muscles to clench and grind. Additionally, attempt to place your tongue between your teeth throughout the day to aid with jaw relaxation and prevent clenching.

• Utilize a nightguard or splint: 

A nightguard, or splint, is a dental appliance worn at night and specially fitted. It serves as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, stopping them from grinding against one another and minimizing the harm that results from this. A dentist can make a customized nightguard that effectively fits your mouth.

• Seek dental treatment:

You may need dental work if crooked teeth or a strange bite causes your bruxism. Orthodontic procedures, like braces or aligners, can enhance the sharpness and correct dental alignment, stopping the tendency to grind teeth. In some circumstances, dental crowns or contouring may be used to modify the surfaces of the teeth.

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Earnest Dunaway

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