Jaw pain, worn-out teeth, and vague headaches can be obvious signs of bruxism, but many people don’t realize they’re doing it, until a dentist brings up the topic at a routine appointment, or a spouse who has long suffered from the unpleasant noise from their pillow points it out. Neighborhood.
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding is a condition in which a person clenches his teeth or rubs them together intensely, and sometimes the pressure may be so strong that a grinding sound is produced, and it is evident in those who suffer from this problem at night during sleep, and long-term tooth grinding leads to jaw problems. And teeth.
When the teeth of the upper and lower jaws meet during clenching (or grinding), they rub and clash against each other, and this leads to the erosion of the strong outer enamel layer, making it weaker, and leading to other complications.
What are the most common causes of teeth grinding?
Dentist Dr. Tom Crawford-Clark said in an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph: “The most common cause of teeth grinding is stress. It can also be caused by sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and some medications can also lead to this.”
How to stop grinding your teeth?
In some cases, tooth grinding cannot be completely prevented, but there are many ways to protect your teeth from damage and reduce the grinding that occurs throughout the day and night.
1- Relax before going to sleep and have a good sleep routine
“Anything that helps take the mind off stress will help limit the damage caused by teeth grinding,” says Dr Aditi Desai, a sleep specialist dentist and president of the British Sleep and Dental Association.
Maintaining a good sleep routine can also help reduce teeth grinding at night in particular.
“Try to have minimal distractions before bed, so avoid answering emails from home before you go to sleep or staying up late watching videos on your phone,” says Dr. Clark.
2- Avoid stimulants
“Cutting down smoking and reducing or avoiding caffeine intake after midday can reduce tooth grinding,” says Dr. Desai.
3- Get a good mouth guard
A night guard that covers your teeth can prevent damage from nighttime grinding, but only if you choose the right one.
Instead of rushing out to buy a mouthguard online, get one fitted by a professional, and do so after speaking to a dentist who also specializes in sleep, Dr. Clark advises, to rule out any sleep disorder.
4- Groom your teeth during the day
While sleep grinding is often the most harmful, unconsciously grinding your teeth throughout the day can cause you to reinforce this behavior and grind your teeth more at night.
5- Quit chewing gum
It is especially important to stop chewing gum if you have been suffering from teeth grinding for a long time. “Because your tooth enamel will wear away, so frequent chewing can lead to more damage, your teeth are only supposed to rub together for 15 to 30 minutes a day, while you eat,” says Dr. Clark. “Chewing gum only increases this and causes risk.” Dental problems occur.