Unbeknownst to you, your teeth may be taking damage during the night. Grinding your teeth while you sleep () or dealing with a TMJ disorder can lead to serious dental issues over time. Worn enamel, chipped teeth, jaw pain, and headaches are all common symptoms that may go unnoticed until significant harm is done. A custom night guard from our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dentists offers a simple yet effective solution, acting as a protective barrier to prevent teeth grinding and reduce the strain on your jaw.
Here’s how a night guard designed specifically for your bite, amongst other easy methods, can help you wake up pain-free and preserve your smile.
Why Do People Grind or Clench Their Teeth?
Why a patient develops bruxism is not always clear. Most often, clenching or grinding teeth happens due to stress or anxiety. Other known causes may be alcohol use, cigarettes, caffeine, sleep apnea, or a misaligned bite.
Talking with our dentists about your level of stress or lifestyle habits can help uncover the root cause of your bruxism. A more in-depth oral examination will also reveal any damage that has been done as a result of your .
Depending on the degree to which you grind or clench, restorative dental procedures, like dental crowns, may be required to strengthen weakened teeth. Most mild cases of bruxism do not lead to additional dental work, but when needed, our dentists will discuss a treatment plan with you.
Practical Tips for Managing & Stopping Teeth Grinding
Whether it’s anxiety induced or the result of too much coffee, bruxism can be treated by our dentists and at home. Here are 4 tips that when practiced, can limit the frequency of how much you grind or clench your teeth.
1. Wear a Custom Night Guard
This treatment option is best for patients who suffer from nighttime bruxism and grind or clench while asleep. By wearing the custom-made night guard provided by our dentists, you effectively put a barrier between your top and bottom teeth so they can’t touch. Because of this, the act of grinding and clenching becomes difficult.
also help to cushion the jaw muscles if you do clench during the night. When worn, the night guard lessens the tension put on the jaw and prevents pain in the area or loss of tooth enamel.
2. Keep Tabs on Your Caffeine & Alcohol Consumption
While both caffeine and alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, their consumption can increase the risk of bruxism in some individuals. Take note of how much you have on a regular basis and if needed, cut back to avoid unwanted tooth damage, headaches, , and more.
Be sure to also ask our dentists about wearing a night guard that’s created to give your teeth added protection while you’re sleeping. This will at least prevent grinding or clenching if you do decide to have an extra cup of coffee during the day.
3. Spot Troublesome Daytime Behaviors
For those who have a habit of unknowingly grinding or clenching during the work day, try paying attention to when it happens. You might come to realize that you’re clenching a lot when you shouldn’t be and that you have the power to stop if you become aware of what you’re doing.
When you catch yourself grinding or clenching, place the tip of your tongue between your teeth. Practicing this will train your jaw muscles to relax. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while for this to set in. Just keep trying and it’ll become easier. Your jaw and teeth will thank you!
4. Gradually Wind Down Before Bed
Are you more stressed or anxious than usual? There’s a high chance those feelings are spilling over into your sleep and causing you to grind or clench. To relax before climbing into bed, we recommend trying a stress reduction technique.
This can be meditation, yoga, listening to music, light exercise, or something else. As long as it puts you at ease and calms you down, it should help you sleep more soundly and reduce your bruxism.
Get Fitted for Your New Night Guard
Investing in a night guard from our dentists in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, can be a game-changer for anyone struggling with teeth clenching, grinding, or jaw discomfort. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today or request an appointment online if you’re experiencing unwanted symptoms and would like relief.