How to stop teeth grinding while sleeping?
Teeth grinding is a habit that is practised by many people, young and old alike. Whilst teeth grinding occasionally is not of much concern, regular tooth grinding is. People usually grind their teeth for a couple of reasons including stress, out of habit or anxiety.
Regular tooth grinding can result in loosening of teeth, crooked jaws and even worse, may cause sore jaws.
If you find yourself involuntarily grinding your teeth or looking to curb your kid/loved one’s tooth grinding, here are some tips to prevent damage to teeth during involuntary grinding of teeth:
- Wear a mouth guard before sleeping: The presence of a mouth guard will help protect you against damage of teeth when you regularly grind your teeth during the night.
- Try to avoid substances like chewing gums that involve a lot of chewing. The goal is to train yourselves to not involuntarily clench to substances that you can hold to.
- Avoid gnawing on your fingers and materials like pencils.
- Avoid drinks like alcohol before bed, since liquor sheds your inhibitions and results in more teeth grinding.
- Try to reduce your stress by meditation and regular exercise.
- Try to avoid caffeine.
- Try to avoid chewing in your regular food diet by consuming more liquid and semi-liquid items, practise mouth exercises and learn to relax.
- Massages can also help assuage stress.
- Use a painkiller like Ibuprofen to reduce the pain caused by teeth grinding.
- Behavioural therapy or consulting a therapist to reduce work stress.
Kids in general regularly grind their teeth often resulting in poor oral hygiene down the lane. Teeth grinding whilst starting innocent and mild can result in serious repercussions and health issues. That is why it is important to consult a dentist and get advice on practising good oral hygiene habits.
Other treatment options:
If the problem persists, you ought to consult a dentist who might prescribe other options. Mandibular devices which are custom made can also be worn to prevent damage to jaws and to deal with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Your dentist also may be able to guide you better based on your personal medical history on how to control teeth grinding and the associated symptoms.
