Teeth grinding, or bruxism, has numerous causes, including an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth, and sleep apnea. Bruxism not only wears teeth down, but it can also cause headaches and jaw pain. The issue may also result in fractured teeth or dental work like crowns and bridges. Below are some tips to help you stop grinding your teeth, which may include a visit to the dentist.

How to Stop Bruxism

1. Manage Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Control sleep apnea-related teeth grinding with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device that keeps your airways open. Patients who use the machine see a decrease in bruxism and snoring symptoms, especially when it’s paired with a healthy lifestyle.

2. Invest in a Night Guard

Get a custom night guard from your dentist if you grind your teeth at night—even if you do not have sleep apnea. The guard creates a barrier that protects your teeth from further stress and wear so you do not wake up feeling groggy with head and jaw pain.

3. Find Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress

Be mindful of daytime teeth grinding to identify triggers, such as a stressful work project or personal relationship. Look for healthy stress relief outlets, such as working out, deep breathing exercises, and meditation. Holding a warm compress to your jaw in the evening also helps your jaw muscles relax.

4. Avoid Drugs, Alcohol, & Tobacco

Abstain from unhealthy habits that contribute to teeth grinding, such as drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy include teeth grinding and gnashing as side effects, while alcohol causes sleep disturbances that may contribute to bruxism. The link between teeth grinding and tobacco is still under investigation; however, it may be due to dopamine level issues that affect muscle movements.

5. Don’t Chew Anything Besides Food

Avoid chewing on pens, pencil erasers, ice, or anything other than food. Consistent chewing trains your jaw muscles to clench, making bruxism issues more likely. Chewing on foreign objects also risks tooth fractures and breaks.

If you need a night guard or to schedule your next teeth cleaning, contact Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., L.L.C.The dentist has served Oconto County, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994, providing oral cancer screenings, orthodontics referrals, oral and maxillofacial surgeries, and teeth whitening, among other services. Call (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment, and text JOIN to (920) 249-5938 for the latest text message updates and news. Visit the website for service details, and follow them on Twitter for additional dental care tips.