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Bruxism is a common problem that many people don't even realize they have. More commonly known as teeth grinding, it happens primarily during sleep, so you may not discover you have this condition until you visit your dentist's office and find signs of damage. If you suspect you have a teeth grinding problem, try following a few tips from the dentists at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River.

Here’s how to prevent bruxism, or tooth grinding:

  • Reduce Stress: Stress manifests in physical ways, like headaches, tight shoulders, and clenched jaws. Try to eliminate or minimize top stressors from your life as best you can to reduce the tension that leads to teeth grinding. 
  • DentistCut Back On Caffeine: Because of the stimulating properties of caffeine, drinks like coffee and caffeinated sodas can lead to tense muscles, leading the jaw to clench and the teeth to grind. Try to cut back on your caffeine consumption and stop drinking caffeinated beverages by the early afternoon.
  • Live Well: You know all about the importance of drinking plenty of water and getting lots of sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle, but did you know it can help prevent teeth grinding too? Making little changes in your everyday life can go a long way toward preventing bruxism.
  • Visit Your Dentist: If you've tried preventative measures and still feel jaw soreness, talk to your dentist at Legacy Dental Arts about a specially fitted nightguard. As you work to reduce the factors that increase your teeth grinding, the mouthguard will prevent irreversible damage from occurring.

To learn more about how good habits and great dentistry can keep you smiling, call Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River at (907) 622­-7874 or visit their website. You can also follow the dentist practice on Facebook and Google+.

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