How to Stop Bruxism Clenching

Bruxism is an involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. It occurs while you are awake or asleep and can cause damage to your teeth and jaw. Common symptoms include jaw pain and stiffness, headaches and sensitive teeth. Stress and other emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression, are major contributors to the problem, as are poor posture and jaw misalignment. Several treatments can reduce and stop bruxism, and relieve the pain associated with the disorder.

Instructions

• 1

  Practice being mindful of when you are clenching your teeth when you are awake. When you notice that you are clenching, open your mouth in a wide yawn to stretch your jaw muscles.

• 2

  Stretch your neck and shoulders with head tilts and head rotations. Stretching the muscles in the neck can relieve tightness in the jaw, according to Kid's Health.

• 3

  Wear an over-the-counter bite guard when you sleep. These appliances are available in most major drug stores and can prevent you from grinding your teeth by keeping your back teeth from touching while you sleep.

• 4

  Consult your dentist for a mouth guard or dental splint. These appliances are custom-fit to your teeth and prevent bruxism by keeping your back teeth from touching.

• 5

  Contact an orthodontist to correct your bite. Putting the jaw and teeth back in proper alignment may cure your bruxism.