Dentists share tips to stop tooth grinding for good
Grinding the teeth can cause damage to the enamel, as well as increasing your risk of developing symptoms such as stiffness and pain in the jaw. If you grind your teeth, you may not even be aware of it, but a trip to the dentist may reveal evidence of dental damage and signs of TMJ disorder, a group of symptoms that affects the joint that joins your lower jaw to the skull.
Tooth grinding may be linked to anxiety and stress, but it is sometimes also caused by orthodontic issues or loose fillings. The advice from dentists who have experience in treating patients with symptoms caused by bruxism is to see your dentist if you have problems that affect the jaw or your partner mentions that you’ve been grinding your teeth a lot of late. It’s better to prevent complications, and dentists can do this by providing custom-made splints or guards, which prevent contact between the tooth surfaces while you sleep.
Dentists also recommend giving up drinking caffeinated drinks in the evenings and trying to relax, especially before you go to bed. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress levels, and other techniques that may be beneficial include meditation, massage therapy or simply listening to music and enjoying a warm bubble bath.
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