Posts Tagged ‘tips to stop grinding teeth’

Bruxism – 10 Ways to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism is one of the the common disorders characterized by the grinding of the teeth and typically includes the clenching of the jaw. Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

Find the following tips helpful in stopping your teeth grinding problem;

Keep Mouth in the Healthy Resting Position during the Day – Your teeth should touch only when you’re chewing food or swallowing. If keeping the teeth apart is practiced, it will reduce the urge to clench or grind. set little reminders in key places around your home and office. Repeat the phrase “lips together, teeth apart” as another constant reminder.

Crunch an Apple – If you grind at night, tucker out the jaw by munching on an apple, raw cauliflower or raw carrots before going to bed. It may help calm your overactive mouth. This course is particularly helpful for children, for whom nocturnal clenching is common.

Apply Heat to Your Jaws – Run hot water in a folded up washcloth, wring it out and apply it against the sides of the face. Apply the heat as often and as long as you can. It will relax the clenching muscles frequently associated with head pain.

For Nighttime Grinding, try a Mouth Guard – These can be found on sporting goods stores. Those that you put in hot water and then pop into your mouth and bite down for a better fit. This is an inexpensive aid and may be used temporarily to guard against nighttime chomping. If it works, you can give your dentist a visit and ask to have a better one.

Above all else, CALM DOWN - the experts agreed that bruxism is often related to stress, so the best thing you can do to stop clenching is relax. Take note of the following: