Teeth grinding is a big problem for some people. You may only grind your teeth in your sleep, or you may grind your teeth throughout the day. Teeth grinding is usually a sign of not being relaxed before you go to bed. It can also be a sign of high anxiety during the day. Sometimes, it is simply a bad habit that needs to be broken. Here are some tips for the best solutions for teeth grinding.
Learn to Relax
Relaxing before bed can help stop nighttime teeth grinding. Take a warm bath just before retiring for the night. Give yourself a massage as you get in bed. You can also use relaxation techniques such as meditation as you go to sleep to help you let go of the stresses of the day. Using relaxation techniques throughout the day will also help both daytime and nighttime teeth grinding.
Seek Help
If you are highly anxious and this is one of the main causes of your teeth grinding, you should seek professional help. Anxiety can be a serious and debilitating condition, and it is likely affecting your life in ways other than your dental health. Seek out a therapist or psychiatrist if you have frequent high anxiety.
Learn New Habits
The easiest way to break a bad habit is to learn a new habit. It takes only two weeks to instill a new habit, but it takes 30 days to break a bad habit. Being aware of your teeth grinding is the first step. Consider what you can do in place of grinding your teeth. When you notice that you are grinding, consciously take note of it and immediately separate your teeth and allow your facial muscles to relax, your jaw dropping down. Then, practice the new habit in its place.
Wear a Night Guard
If nothing seems to be helping and you are continuing to grind your teeth in your sleep, a night guard can help minimize the damage from the activity. Your dentist can easily fit you for a mouth guard to wear at night. This custom fit guard will help stop your teeth from wearing down and also protect your gums.
