If you have teeth grinding symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine you for signs of tooth damage and clenching, and they will recommend a variety of treatments that will help to protect your oral health.
Teeth grinding is a very common problem, and it can happen to people of all ages. It can be caused by many different things. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety or other emotional issues.
It can also be a sign of a serious condition called TMJ disorders, which affect the joints and muscles that connect your jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders may cause pain and stiffness in the jaw, as well as facial, neck and shoulder pain.
Your dentist can check for these problems during regular dental exams, and they may suggest medications, nightguards or other treatments. They can also recommend relaxation techniques, biofeedback, self-hypnosis or cognitive therapy.
Getting rid of a grinding habit takes work. You need to know how to consciously stop the action, and you need to learn a few strategies that will make it easier for you to do this.
Practice mindfulness several times a day to help you become aware of what triggers your teeth grinding. This will help you to stop the action before it becomes too severe, and you may even be able to get a better night’s sleep.
Avoiding caffeine and tobacco is another way to reduce your chances of grinding your teeth during sleep. Both can interfere with your sleep cycle, which in turn can cause bruxism.
Drinking a cup of herbal tea before bed can also help to reduce the frequency and severity of your grinding, as it can relax your body and mind. Try a tea that has no caffeine or alcohol, like chamomile or green tea.
Other self-care tips include keeping your mouth as clean and healthy as possible, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. You should always brush and floss regularly, but you should also be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
You should also be careful with hard or dense foods that can irritate the gums and other soft tissue. It’s best to chew on soft, healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Your doctor can prescribe antidepressants or other medication that will help to relieve stress and anxiety that may be causing you to grind your teeth. These drugs can also help to relax your jaw muscles, which is a necessary part of stopping the teeth grinding.
Taking a warm bath before bed is an effective technique to relax your muscles, including those around the jaw. You can also massage the muscles in your face, neck and back.
If you have a history of stress, anxiety or other emotional issues, your doctor may recommend counseling to get to the root of your problems. Depending on your needs, this might be done through a mental health professional, an addiction counselor or other licensed professional.
