3 Tips for Teeth Grinders

Teeth grinding, sometimes called bruxism, can be a difficult problem for many people. Because it mainly happens while people are asleep, they have to wait until the dentist tells them that they’re even doing it. Clenching your teeth once in a while won’t make a difference to your oral health, but constant grinding can cause everything from unexplained headaches to severely damaged teeth. We’ll look at three tips if you’re grinding your teeth in Sugar Land, TX.

1. Take Immediate Action

Teeth grinding is associated with a loss of tooth enamel, which will make the teeth more sensitive. The repetition can also cause more severe injury, including breaking or fracturing. Because you’re unlikely to be able to direct yourself not to grind your teeth while you’re asleep, we recommend a mouth guard at night. This doesn’t have to be a permanent solution, but more of a stop gap as you work on the larger problem. Whether it’s a custom-made one (which we recommend) or a store-bought one, you’re giving your teeth some degree of protection at night.

2. Focus on Relaxing

Teeth grinding and stress very much go hand-in-hand, so it pays to have a more relaxing routine. Easy ways to bring down the tension include more exercise, fewer screens, and a quick massage of your jaw muscles. If you find yourself clenching your mouth when you’re under pressure, stop and take a few deep breaths. Amp up your bedtime ritual so you’re giving your bodies clear signals that the day is winding down. This can mean anything from having a cup of herbal tea to reading a boring book right before turning out the lights.

3. Visit the Right Dentist in Sugar Land, TX

Teeth grinding symptoms are usually the result of stress but can be exacerbated by chewing things like ice, taffy, or even steak. A good dentist in Sugar Land, TX can shed more insight into why you’re grinding your teeth and how you can prevent it on a long-term basis. At First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help teeth grinders get the support and treatment they need to break the habit. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the situation under control.