Ways to Prevent Nighttime Teeth-Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common problem that affects children and adults. Also called bruxism, teeth grinding occurs when the jaws are clinched tightly together and moved back and forth. Though it can occur when awake, grinding of the teeth most often occurs at night when the sufferer is asleep. It can cause severe pain in the gums and jaw, headache, earache and tooth sensitivity. Those experiencing nighttime teeth grinding have options to help them correct this often painful and annoying condition.

Mouth Guards

• An easy way to prevent nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouth guard or splint. You can purchase one at a retail store or visit an orthodontist to have one fitted specifically to your teeth. There are many types of mouth guards and splints and they range in price depending on the type and where you purchase them. Some types fit over top and bottom teeth while others fit over just the top or bottom. They work by relaxing the jaw muscles and by putting a protective layer of material between your teeth. Try using a variety of mouth guards or splints until you find the type that works best.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

• There are effective ways to help prevent nighttime teeth grinding.

  One of the main reasons that people grind their teeth at night is too much stress during the day. If you can change your routine to deal with stress levels and learn to relax before bedtime, nighttime teeth grinding is less likely to occur. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or stretching before you go to sleep. Yoga exercises are great for relieving stress. In addition, gently opening and closing your jaw can help relax the muscles. Simply doing a relaxing activity before bedtime, such as reading or taking a warm bath, can also help calm the muscles that lead to teeth grinding while sleeping.

Massage and Heat

• Similarly to how a warm massage helps other muscles in the body, gently massaging the jaw and applying heat before bedtime can relax the muscles of those who grind their teeth at night. Try rubbing the tips of your fingers over both sides of your jaws just before you go to sleep. Next, put a warm towel or heating pad on both sides of your face. Massaging the jaw muscles and applying warmth can help calm muscles and make them less likely to clinch while you are sleeping.

Diet

• Finding the method that works best for you can prevent nighttime teeth grinding.

  What you eat during the day can also play a role in nighttime teeth grinding, therefore simple changes in your diet can make a difference. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. Both can stimulate muscles leading to teeth grinding. Give your jaw a break from hard, crunchy foods, especially before bedtime. Also, if you are a gum chewer, cut it out of your diet until you get nighttime teeth grinding under control. The repetitive chewing motion can make clinching worse.

Professional Help

• If simple methods to prevent nighttime teeth grinding fail to help, you might need to consider having the alignment of your teeth checked by a professional. Visiting your dentist is a good start to determine if you need to be referred to an orthodontist. The alignment of your teeth can be evaluated and treatment options can be personalized to fit your needs. Surgery is sometimes necessary for severely misaligned teeth, though it is always recommended as a last resort when other options fail to prevent teeth grinding at night.