Teeth grinding can happen during the day or at night, but most people do it during sleep. Teeth clenching can be a symptom of stress or anxiety and can also be caused by conditions such as sleep apnea.
Some signs that you can look for include a headache or sore jaw, tight or locked jaw muscles, cracked or fractured teeth, tooth sensitivity, or noticing that your teeth are becoming worn down. Visit a dental clinic near you to check for signs of damage to your teeth.
You can relieve the pressure of teeth grinding with a few natural remedies. Also, try to reduce stress and anxiety by exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and getting enough sleep. If these measures don’t help, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard. These are oral devices that can protect your teeth from damage and prevent the wearing down of the teeth.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
Many different factors can contribute to teeth grinding or bruxism. It may be due to stress or anxiety or misaligned teeth, or an abnormal bite. Teeth grinding can also be a side effect of certain medications or a sign of other underlying health issues. It’s important to seek teeth grinding in Calgary, AB, treatment if you notice teeth-grinding symptoms.
Effects of Teeth Grinding on Your Health
While teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common habit, it can harm oral health. Over time, the constant grinding can wear down your tooth enamel. This can make your teeth more susceptible to decay and infection. In addition, the pressure from grinding can lead to TMJ disorder, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint. Sometimes, a mouth guard can be worn at night to protect your teeth from damage. You may also need to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress or avoiding chewing gum daily.
How To Stop Grinding Teeth In Sleep Naturally?
It is important to identify what may be causing you to grind your teeth. This can be a major contributing factor if you are under a lot of stress. Also, having misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite can strain your jaws and cause you to grind your teeth at night. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can take steps to address it.
Many natural solutions can help to stop teeth from grinding during sleep. Some of these solutions include:
- Wearing a mouth guard: This will help protect your teeth from further damage and may also help reduce the noise of grinding teeth so that you (and your partner) can get a better night’s sleep. They are customized and fit your dental structure.
- Avoiding trigger foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks (such as caffeine or alcohol) can trigger teeth grinding. Avoiding these triggers can help to reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding.
- Relaxation techniques: If stress is the primary cause of your teeth grinding, you can try several relaxation techniques to help reduce the problem. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can be very helpful in reducing stress levels. Try yoga or other forms of relaxation therapy.
- Massage: Massaging the muscles in your jaw can help to relax them and reduce the tension that may contribute to teeth grinding.
- Dietary changes: Avoiding hard foods, such as candy and nuts, will help reduce the risk of tooth damage. Eating softer foods like cooked vegetables and fruits will also be easier on your teeth and gums. Drinking plenty of water will keep your mouth hydrated and may help reduce the urge to grind your teeth at night.
Schedule an Appointment
Teeth grinding can be difficult to manage, but avoiding alcohol, stress relief activities, and jaw massage can help. By taking the time to understand what might be causing your teeth to grind and using these natural remedies, you may find relief from this uncomfortable condition. Visit Oasis Dental for more information about bruxism and how you can manage its effects.