Studies have shown that twenty percent of adults grind their teeth during the night
. The grinding of the teeth is also referred to as bruxism which can be caused by stress. The habit of teeth grinding is believed to be hereditary and it is also related to gender. The problem with bruxism is the fracture it could cause your teeth. The teeth grinding can wear away the tooth enamel which can lead to sensitive teeth and tooth decay. This article intends to provide individuals with some tips on how to stop teeth grinding in sleep to alleviate the discomfort that comes with it.
The first thing bruxers should do is to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will make a custom mouthpiece or also known as night guard that you can wear during the night which is essential in preventing further damage to your teeth and may lessen your tendency to grind. You need to see your dentist regularly in order to make sure that there is no movement or cavities that might result from wearing the night guard.
It is important to be conscious at all times that your teeth should only be touching when you're chewing or swallowing. Try to drop your jaw and feel the muscles loosen up and then make an effort to maintain that feeling.
Since bruxism is brought about by stress and tension it is ideal to take some relaxation measures before bed time. Taking a warm bath or holding a warm, damp cloth next to your face for about ten minutes before going to bed will enable your jaw muscles to relax. The warmth of the water will calm your jaw muscles.
Last important tip on how to stop teeth grinding in sleep is by learning methods and techniques that will enable you to handle stress better. You can take stress management classes and practice techniques like progressive relaxation or guided imagery or self hypnosis.