How Do I Stop Grinding My Teeth at Night?

Most people grind their teeth occasionally, but a smaller percentage clench and grind their teeth enough for it to be a problem. It often happens at night when you’re unaware of it, but grinding can cause issues like headaches, jaw tension, and worn-down enamel. How do you stop grinding your teeth at night? Here are some ideas:

Try Relaxing Before Bed

Teeth-grinding is often caused by stress, so it may help to intentionally relax before you turn in at night. Play some soothing music, take a hot shower or bath, or meditate. Some people enjoy low-caffeine herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, or lavender.

Massage Your Jaw

Frequently grinding your teeth builds tension in your jaw and face muscles. If you grind your teeth at night, odds are you’re doing it at least sometimes during the day. Before bed, gently massage your jaw and face to soften the tension that’s been building.

Don’t Chew on Things That Aren’t Edible

When you chew on things that aren’t food, like pens or pencils, your jaw gets used to clenching, which makes teeth grinding more likely. Chewing gum does this, too. If you want to stop grinding your teeth at night, avoid chewing on non-food things during the day.

Ask Us About Nightguards

Nightguards are mouthguards worn at night. They don’t stop your jaw from clenching, but they protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding. They’re an excellent way to shield your teeth while you break the grinding habit. We offer custom nightguards that fit your smile perfectly.

Addressing Teeth Grinding at Chandler Dental Center in San Antonio, Texas

Teeth grinding can lead to issues like tooth fractures, headaches, and TMJ, which is a joint disorder. Because it often happens at night, it can be tricky to break the habit, but relaxing before bed, not clenching during the day, and protecting your smile with a nightguard can help. If you have questions about teeth-grinding or want to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, please contact us today!

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Categorised in: Bruxism, Oral Health, TMJ/TMD

This post was written by ChandlerDentalCenter