How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism is common in those with misaligned teeth. If you have this issue, orthodontic treatment can help reduce it. Here, our Village Orthodontics orthodontists discuss the symptoms and treatment options for teeth grinding.

What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth. When this grinding occurs at night, we refer to it as sleep bruxism. This condition most often occurs in children, adolescents, and young adults, although it can occur in individuals of all ages. People are usually unaware that they are grinding their teeth while sleeping.

Complications & Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

While it may appear that teeth grinding only results in temporary discomfort, it can lead to serious, noticeable side effects. Allowing teeth grinding to continue may cause additional issues to develop a few months or even several years later.

Here are some of the complications related to teeth grinding.

• Chipped teeth: Bruxism can lead to worn down, fractured, or chipped teeth. This condition may impact your smile and cause teeth to become sensitive or loose.
• Worn tooth enamel: Constant grinding can cause the enamel of your teeth to erode. This protective enamel is essential to your dental health, and damage can expose the inside of your teeth to various risks, including cavities.
• Increased sensitivity: Your tooth may become more sensitive if the enamel wears away. Extreme temperatures can cause discomfort in your teeth, and you might feel discomfort in your teeth.
• Tired jaw muscles: Clenching your jaw increases fatigue in your jaw muscles. For those with bruxism, this tiredness may become a regular sensation.
• Disruption of sleep: At times, the severity of your bruxism might disturb your sleep or lead to restless nights. This may cause you to wake up feeling more fatigued in the morning, or you might find yourself waking several times during the night.

Treating Sleep Bruxism

Treatment for sleep bruxism can include several approaches aimed at managing pain and other symptoms, as well as minimizing the severity of teeth grinding and its potential effects. Although you can take home steps to address teeth grinding, you should consult a doctor, dentist or orthodontist, who can recommend the best treatment for your specific needs.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

If you're looking to stop grinding your teeth, explore these seven helpful treatment options and techniques.

Get a Nighttime Mouth Guard

Constant grinding can damage the enamel of your teeth, increasing their susceptibility to cavities. Luckily, using a night guard while sleeping can protect your teeth. This is one of the most effective strategies for preventing sleep bruxism and teeth clenching.

Start Exercising

You don't need an intense exercise plan to alleviate nighttime teeth clenching. Engaging in a brief, light exercise routine or jogging a few times a week can significantly reduce the stress that can lead to teeth grinding.

Relax Right Before Bed

Before going to bed, you should take measures to relieve any tension you might be experiencing, including in your jaw. To achieve this, you can try relaxation techniques, such as enjoying a warm bath or shower.

Massage Your Jaw Muscles

Do you find yourself clenching your jaw anytime you get overwhelmed or anxious? If so, then you might want to try giving your face and jaw muscles a good massage periodically throughout the day.

Become More Conscious of Your Clenching

You may grind your teeth without realizing it. Practice mindfulness multiple times daily to relax and relieve anxiety. You'll notice certain situations or times when teeth grinding increases. When you recognize it, drop your jaw and let it hang. Move it gently, then maintain a relaxed position.

Stop Chewing Gum

Are you a person who likes to chew gum regularly? Unfortunately, these repetitive motions can cause a clenched jaw and contribute to teeth grinding and discomfort.

Avoid Chewy Foods

If you experience teeth grinding and clenching, then you might want to avoid steak, popcorn, and taffy. These foods need extensive chewing, which can increase jaw strain. The good news is that you may be avoiding these already if you currently have braces.

Mouth Exercises To Cope With Sleep Bruxism

Several mouth exercises can help alleviate pain and enhance the jaw's range of motion. Performing these exercises for a few minutes multiple times each day may also help relax and stretch the muscles involved in teeth grinding and clenching.

Here is an exercise that you can try to help relax the jaw and prevent teeth grinding:

1. Close your lips gently while preventing your top and bottom teeth from touching.
2. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth without touching your teeth.
3. Hold this position for as long as you can.

Here is another exercise you can try to help with the movement of the jaw:

1. Put your hands on your TMJ joints (where the lower jaw connects).
2. Slowly open your mouth.
3. Hold your mouth open for 10 seconds.
4. Slowly close your mouth.
5. Perform three times per day, exercising for 10 minutes each time.

If your symptoms persist or ever become severe, you should consult with a doctor, dentist or your orthodontist for advice and next steps.

Will braces or Invisalign help with teeth grinding?

Whether or not braces or Invisalign can help you with teeth grinding depends on the underlying cause of your bruxism. This condition is more common among individuals with misaligned teeth, so orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth can significantly help reduce grinding behaviour.

If you tend to grind your teeth while awake, using Invisalign aligners may remind you of this habit, increase your awareness, and potentially aid in reducing grinding and clenching.

Are you experiencing uneven wear on any of your teeth or a misaligned bite? You may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Request a consultation with our team at Village Orthodontics today.