How to Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep Naturally

How to Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep Naturally

I’ve always thought that the key to good dental care was moderation. Brush your teeth properly, visit the dentist twice a year, some light flossing, try not to eat a lot of sugar. But recently, I’ve been challenged. My teeth hurt more and more. When I read up on how to speed up the process and beneficial the treatment, I was shocked to see so many suggestions that were direct opposite of my very well-intended regimen.

Grinding Teeth Dentist

Splint therapy is the first line of defence against teeth grinding. It involves wearing a customized dental night guard, bite guard, or occlusal splint. The guard provides a physical barrier to protect teeth and help alleviate symptoms like jaw pain and headache. You can either purchase a generic one from a drugstore or, preferably, get one custom made by your dentist. They will take an impression of your upper and lower teeth to create a mouthguard that fits your jaw perfectly. Store-bought models are not as durable or fitted.

To treat and prevent teeth grinding, you need to eradicate the underlying cause. If that’s anxiety, stress or depression, stress management exercises, a balanced diet and splint therapy can be helpful. If it’s is due to an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), you need to consult a doctor. Remember, practicing relaxation techniques and implementing the above-mentioned home remedies can relieve symptoms. You can also book an appointment with your dentist if your teeth grinding is caused by your jaw’s shape or structure. (Source: www.dentistryondusk.com)

Stress

Instead of caffeinated beverages like coffee, you’re better off consuming non-caffeinated alternatives. Opting for herbal or chamomile tea is a great way to naturally reduce your stress and alleviate the symptoms of grinding in sleep as it’s aggravated by nervous tension. Herbal tea relaxes your body and mind and keeps you calm. Try a cup of warm green tea before bed to reduce the likelihood of grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping.

If you notice you’re grinding your teeth a lot more lately in your sleep—you’re not alone. During normal times, nearly one in 12 adults grind their teeth at night, according to a study published in Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine. But when you ratchet up stress and anxiety—two major causes of teeth grinding—the numbers are likely to increase, reports the American Dental Association. That means everyone’s risk goes up during a coronavirus pandemic, quarantine, and fears of catching a potentially life-threatening disease like Covid-19. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can also be triggered by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. (Source: www.thehealthy.com)