Beat Bruxism

Teeth Clenching or grinding your teeth is called bruxism. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) warns that bruxism should be taken seriously because it is a cause of temporomandibular disorders. Changes in behavior and consciousness can often help stop teeth clenching in patients. Normally, the teeth should only touch frequently during chewing or swallowing. More than half of children with tightening jaws remain until the age of 13 years without medical treatment.

Clenching teeth may seem a minor problem. However, it can cause headaches and can even damage the teeth. Regular dental care is essential for diagnosis and treatment of teeth clenching. The following advice will help you determine how to stop teeth clenching:

• Learn to relax. Many people grind their teeth because they are stressed. You may be able to slow or prevent teeth grinding by using relaxation techniques like yoga, stretching or exercise.

• Go to the dentist. Your dentist may be able to provide a mouth guard or device to prevent teeth grinding. These are especially useful while you are sleeping. Your dentist can pre-installation of the guard or device in the mouth.

• Ask your dentist about corrective action. Teeth clenching can be associated with problems related to dentistry. Your dentist may need to place crowns on the teeth or correct misaligned teeth.

• Try behavioral therapy. This involves the practice of proper jaw position. They focus on the placement of the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth with lips closed.

• To say “Mississippi.” At the end of that word, the jaw relaxes. Say the word several times a day to train the jaw to relax.

A Reduction of stimulants such as coffee and tea in a diet may help relax the body.

Chewing an apple, carrots and other crunchy foods before bed in an attempt to escape the jaw.

• Apply warm compresses to the sides of the face to relax the jaw muscles before bedtime.

Ask a dentist for a protective splint or aids in the formation of the jaw to stop clenching. Splints are available for day and night.

Practice relaxation techniques. Consider seeing a mental health professional if your stress levels are consistently high.

Tips & Warnings

• When you clench your teeth, behaviors coincide with new drugs or neurological disorders, consult a physician.

• The damaged teeth can be repaired with prosthetic crowns.

• If you have problems with the positioning of the jaw properly, you can try biofeedback.

• If you grind your teeth badly and have not responded to other treatments, talk to your doctor about Botox injections.

• Do not rely on medication only. For the most part, the drugs have not proven effective in the treatment of teeth grinding.

• Do not assume it’s not your problem. Many people who grind their teeth at night are not aware of it until the damage has already occurred.

• Do not skip going to the dentist. You can buy a mouth guard over the counter instead of going to the dentist for a pre-installation. However, they generally do not fit well and can move out of place while you are sleeping.