While grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) can become a habit during the day, in most cases it occurs when you’re asleep. For this reason, those who suffer from the condition are typically unaware of its happening. If you sleep with someone, they may hear you grinding throughout the night – but, more often, bruxism causes painful, dull headaches in the morning accompanied by a sore jaw. In severe cases, you may notice damage to your teeth such as; worn enamel, chips, breaks, or even loss altogether. To protect your natural teeth from these dangers, let’s learn how to quit grinding your teeth.
What Causes Teeth Grinding?
There isn’t one single condition that causes one to grind or clench their teeth – instead, there are several factors that may contribute to the habit:
Malocclusion
Emotional Factors; Anger, Stress, Frustration, Anxiety
Sleep Apnea
Acid Reflux
Understanding the cause behind your teeth grinding will determine your best route of treatment.
Bruxism Treatments
Lifestyle Changes – Often, stimulants like caffeine, amphetamines (commonly prescribed for attention and sleep disorders), and alcohol can additionally contribute to bruxism, you’re probably better off avoiding any of these. On the other hand, regular exercise can help you to quit grinding your teeth.
Therapies – If emotional factors are behind your bruxism, different therapies may benefit you. Stress and anger relief are two commonly recommended therapies for patients who suffer from emotionally-induced teeth grinding.
Dental Appliances – Often times, this condition will dissipate once you begin treatment. However, dental appliances like mouthguards and splints are commonly used to protect your teeth until the problem subsides.
