subject: Stop Teeth Grinding - Understanding Its Cause And Finding Remedies [print this page] Bruxism is grinding or clenching your teeth while you are sleeping. For some others, it may also occur at daytime or when you are conscious, especially if you are tensed. This condition may not serious or life threatening but finding ways to stop teeth grinding can however save you from dental problems later.
The problems with teeth grinding
Teeth grinding during sleep can be disturbing especially if you share your bedroom with someone - or if you get to sleep with other people in the room. It may also alarm you if you find your children grinding their teeth during sleep, as this disorder is common among children.
Although this normally disappears as the children reach ages 13 or beyond, severe teeth grinding may also cause teeth problems later. Severe cases may loosen the teeth or may fracture them. It may also lead to the thinning of the outer covering of the teeth that will eventually make the teeth very sensitive.
Teeth grinding can also cause problems with your jaw and may at times cause pain in your jaws or in your facial muscles.
The causes of teeth grinding
If you want to stop teeth grinding, it is wise to understand what causes this habit to form. Although the exact cause of teeth grinding is not yet fully determined, there are however factors that are said to trigger an individual to do teeth grinding and clenching in his sleep.
Among the physical factors that may bring about bruxism or teeth grinding is the misalignment of teeth or if you have bite problems. Though uncommon, it can also be a side effect of some medications, which are usually those antidepressants.
Most often, teeth grinding is linked to psychological factors like tension, stress and anxiety. Emotional factors can also be triggers especially if you have suppressed feelings of anger.
Remedies and treatments for teeth grinding
Psychotherapy, biofeedback and counseling are among the many techniques that are being used to stop teeth grinding especially if suppressed emotions and anxiety are your triggers. If stress is a big factor in developing this habit, relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing as well as yoga exercises can help you a lot in relaxing and easing up any tensions you have. Also cut down on caffeine to help you relax more. Warm baths may also help.
You can also help yourself by wearing out your jaw by munching raw carrots or an apple before bedtime. This can be helpful if you want to stop teeth grinding in children who usually suffer from teeth grinding during their sleep.
Your dentist may also suggest having a mouth guard on. Although temporary, it can help a lot in preventing you from damaging your teeth when you start to grind. If bite problems and teeth misalignment are the causes of your clenching and grinding, a visit to your dentist may also give you solutions such as correcting your bite and putting of crowns or inlays.
If the culprit is medication, your doctor may also replace your current medication to avoid such side effects, especially if it is a severe one.
