Teeth grinding is a common issue for millions of people. There are a few reasons why people grind their teeth, but they are mostly related to stress.
If you grind your teeth at night, you may not even realize it. You may wake up with soreness in your mouth, along your gum line, or even at the root of certain teeth. The damage that grinding your teeth can have ranges from minor to severe.
If you suspect that you grind your teeth, or you know that you do, there are a few things that may help you avoid this potentially damaging nighttime activity.
Manage Stress Effectively
Most of us have some level of stress in our lives. It could be work related, relationship based, financially motivated, or anything else. When you’re dealing with stress, your body will be affected by it. The more severe the stress, the greater the chances are going to be that you grind your teeth.
If you learn to manage your stress, or develop relaxation techniques at night just before you go to sleep, this will help to reduce the chances that you’ll grind your teeth.
Studies have shown that simple nighttime relaxation techniques, such as breathing slowly, meditating and clearing your mind, and other activities can have a positive impact on the quality of your sleep.
When you fall asleep in a more relaxed state, you will be in a better position to have a comfortable night’s sleep, thus less grinding.
Tooth Guard
If you are unable to manage your stress in a healthy and effective manner, then you should consider investing in a tooth guard. This is similar to a mouth guard that athletes use to protect their teeth.
You can choose a general sized tooth guard or you can have one custom built for your teeth and mouth to ensure a proper fit.
While these guards don’t actually prevent you from grinding your teeth, they protect the teeth from damage that is commonly caused by this nighttime habit.
When you take the time to properly brush, floss, and generally care for your teeth, you don’t want them to be damaged by grinding at night.
To learn more about teeth grinding and how you can protect your mouth, contact the professionals as The Dental Centre.