Are you someone who constantly wakes up with a headache or sore jaw? Or do you often feel immense tension in your facial muscles throughout the day? If so, you likely suffer from teeth grinding. Although this may seem like an issue only necessary to address for cosmetic or minor pain reasons, it can have serious long-term effects on your oral health. Fortunately, you can take preventative methods and treatment measures to stop teeth grinding and prevent irreversible damage to your dental health. If you are suffering from the negative impacts of teeth grinding, our dentists in Gainesville may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how to stop grinding your teeth for good.
Why Is It Important To Stop Teeth Grinding?
If left untreated, chronic teeth grinding leads to severe dental problems and can cause significant pain, discomfort, and even permanent damage to the jaws and face. The pressure exerted during grinding can cause muscular tension in the jaw, leading to headaches, migraines, and neck pain. Treating teeth grinding promptly can prevent further damage, improve dental health, and alleviate painful symptoms. Seeking appropriate dental care and investing in early intervention and prevention for teeth grinding can lead to a better quality of life.
Get A Mouthguard
When it comes to addressing teeth grinding, prevention is key. One of the most effective preventative measures is getting a custom-fit mouthguard from one of our Gainesville dentists. This small, lightweight device is designed to cushion your teeth and prevent them from grinding together while you sleep. It’s important to note that over-the-counter, “boil-and-bite” mouth guards are not as effective as custom-fit ones made by our dental professionals.
Try To Relax Before Bed
Teeth grinding is often caused by stress. Therefore, it can be impactful to try and relax before bed. One effective method is to massage your jaw muscles, which can help ease any tension you are holding in this area. Alternatively, consider taking a warm bath before bed, which can help to relax your jaw muscles and encourage all of the stresses of the day to melt away. Another option is to try and meditate before bed. This can help soothe any aches and pains you may be experiencing while helping to calm your mind.
Avoid Chewy Foods & Gum
Using your jaw excessively can intensify the symptoms of teeth grinding. Chomping down on chewy treats like caramel candies or sticky gum can strain your jaw muscles unnecessarily, triggering nighttime teeth grinding. Making small changes to your diet and chewing habits can save your teeth and give your jaw some much-needed rest.
Adjust Sleeping Position
Adjusting your sleeping position can significantly impact the intensity of your teeth grinding. Sleeping on your back is recommended as it helps to align your spine and reduce pressure on your jaw. However, it’s important to properly support your neck with a comfortable and firm pillow. By consciously adjusting your sleeping position and investing in a supportive pillow, you can reduce the symptoms of teeth grinding and improve the quality of your sleep.