How to Stop Grinding Teeth

Are you a teeth grinder? If so, it is advisable that you try to do as many things as possible that may help you stop or at least prevent this problem from escalating.  Read more: How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth?

Want to know how to stop grinding your teeth?  Here are some tips:

(1) Alleviate Stress. In today’s world, it can be hard to escape stress. This can lead to various medical conditions, including bruxism (grinding your teeth). Taking measures to reduce your stress can help in all realms of your life. Incorporating exercise, meditation, and even counseling can do wonders. It can also help to be more organized, adopt a healthy eating plan, practice proper sleep hygiene, and let go of any negativity that may be wearing heavily on you.

(2) Avoid Alcohol. People often think that they are getting a better sleep after they drink because it helps them fall asleep. In actuality, this is not the case because alcohol is a depressant and makes it harder to have a healthy sleep. After some beverages, your REM sleep is greatly reduced, and this can lead to teeth grinding. People often feel more anxious and jittery the day after drinking, which can also lead to more stress. If you take a break from alcohol, chances are good that you will start to feel more refreshed and rested. Try it!

(3) Stay Away from Caffeine. As you know, after too much coffee or cola, it can be hard to fall asleep because caffeine is a stimulant, which actually keeps you awake. This makes it harder to relax your mind and jaw muscles, which can lead to teeth grinding. And stay far away from energy drinks. They are harmful to your health for more reasons than just protecting your teeth. Opt for water instead. It’s healthy, hydrating, and calorie-free!

(4) Don’t Chew on Random Items. Stress related habits like chewing on pens or ice should be avoided. Have gum or mints available instead (but don’t chew on the mints, as this can damage your teeth).

(5) Avoid Clenching Your Jaw. It can be easy to grit your teeth together when your jaw is tense. One way that you can try to get away from this habit is to place your tongue between your teeth. This will help you to relax your jaw.

(6) Relax Before Bedtime. To reach your goal of having a nice, restful sleep, you’ll want to try to calm down your mind and body as much as possible. You can do this by having a hot bath or shower, massaging your muscles, shutting off any electronic devices at least one hour before bed, and by listening to calming music or sleep sounds to distract yourself and ease your transition into sleep.

Following these tips will not fix everything overnight however. Your body will need to get used to these practices and eventually you will develop new daily habits without even thinking about it. Aside from helping to prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), you will be doing your body a lot of good overall. All you need is a little patience and dedication.

Have questions about bruxism or how to stop grinding your teeth? Want to have an oral exam to see if you are in fact grinding your teeth? Call us and book an appointment with Dr. Chohan in Surrey today!