How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can be a real pain in the neck. It can damage your teeth and cause jaw pain, and it can even wake up your partner in the middle of the night. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stop grinding your teeth.

Here are 10 tips that may help:

1. Wear a mouthguard. This is the most effective way to protect your teeth from grinding. Custom-made mouthguards are available from your dentist, but you can also buy over-the-counter mouthguards at most drugstores.

2. Relax your jaw. During the day, make an effort to relax your jaw by keeping your lips closed and teeth slightly apart. You can also gently massage your jaw to release tension.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can both contribute to teeth grinding. If you find that you grind your teeth more often after consuming these substances, try to cut back or avoid them altogether.

4. Get enough sleep. When you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to grind your teeth. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

5. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to relieve stress and tension, which can be contributors to teeth grinding.

6. Get a massage. A neck or shoulder massage can help to relax the muscles that are involved in grinding teeth.

7. Visit your dentist regularly. If you're regularly grinding your teeth, you should see a dentist to rule out any underlying problems. Your dentist may also be able to recommend some treatments to help you stop grinding your teeth.

In addition to these tips, there are a few habits you should avoid that can make teeth grinding worse:

* Chewing on hard objects, such as pencils or ice cubes

* Clenching your jaw

It can take some time and effort to stop grinding your teeth, but it's definitely worth it to protect your oral health. Try these tips to see if they can help you reduce the frequency of teeth grinding or eliminate it altogether.