Everyone should have a beloved and trusted family dentist they can rely on—and for years, the team at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, has been filling that role. Whether you need dentures, porcelain veneers, oral surgery, a root canal, or just about anything else tooth-related, their staff has you covered.

Having great teeth is one thing, but keeping them in tip-top shape is another. Sometimes, even practicing excellent dental habits isn't enough: thousands of people suffer from “bruxism,” otherwise known as grinding one's teeth in their sleep. The good news, though, is that there are ways to prevent and minimize this condition.

According to webmd, teeth grinding can be caused by anything from stress and anxiety to an abnormal bite symmetry and/or crooked teeth. Occasional grinding is fairly common, and generally nothing to be concerned about; but if the habit is chronic, it can cause problems that can result in the need for implants, bridges, and other corrective procedures.

One way to stop teeth grinding is to wear a mouth guard, which is a custom designed device (based on a mold of your teeth) that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. Mouth guards aren't uncomfortable, and they're highly effective at preventing grinding.

Too, you can “train” yourself to stop grinding, by taking note of how often you clench your teeth during the day: when you notice yourself doing it, stop until you get used to stopping. It also helps to cut back on heavily caffeinated beverages, especially before bed. You can also try soothing your jaw muscles by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek: almost anything that helps you to relax will also help to minimize the likelihood of a nocturnal tooth-workout.

With the help of a great dentist, you can get all these problems—and more—under control, and look forward to a happy future of smiling, eating, talking, and good dental heath. To find out more, contact the team at Lowitz & Meier at (513) 521-8900—and start treating your pearly whites to the kinds of “pearly rites” or regular checkups that really make a difference! Visit them online for more information about the services they offer.