If you suffer from teeth grinding, you are not alone. There are many solutions for this common problem. One of them may be as simple as changing your diet. Other solutions may involve treating sleep apnea and using a teeth grinding guard. You should discuss your condition with your dentist to determine which solution is best for you. Teeth grinding can be a serious problem, so you should consult a dentist to learn about the best treatments for your specific situation.
Treatments
Many people who grind their teeth do so unconsciously. Fortunately, there are some treatments for teeth grinding that may help you break the habit. These methods may involve behavioral changes and jaw exercises, but there are also other causes that can make this habit worse. Some people have psychological and medical conditions that make them more likely to grind their teeth. A qualified dentist can help you treat these issues if they are contributing factors. Here are some of the most common treatments for teeth grinding.
Exercises
You can start by using a wooden craft stick between the back and top front teeth. Afterward, slide the lower jaw forward while holding the stick in this position. Then, repeat the exercise ten times. If you have trouble concentrating, you can use a larger object. This exercise will help you strengthen the muscles in your jaw. This will also help you stop grinding your teeth. It is also recommended to perform it at least two to three times a day.
Sleep apnea
If you suffer from excessive wear on your teeth and gums caused by your teeth grinding habit, you may need to consider sleep apnea treatment. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, jaw pain, and chronic diseases. While you may not experience any symptoms at all, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, mouth taping can help reduce the problem and reverse it.
Night guards
A night guard is an oral appliance worn during sleep that prevents your teeth from touching one another. The device is made of a transparent material that fits snugly over the biting surfaces of your teeth. This type of guard is often prescribed for patients suffering from TMJ or teeth grinding. While night guards do not completely eliminate the symptoms, they can reduce the damage they cause and can even prevent more costly issues from developing in the future.
Stress management
Teeth grinding is a common problem among many patients, causing not only physical damage to the teeth, but also headaches and sore jaws. The good news is that teeth grinding can be controlled using stress management techniques. This article will provide a step-by-step plan to manage teeth grinding. First, understand the nature of stress. Stress causes the teeth to grind, and can be difficult to identify. A dentist will use various methods to alleviate stress and address the root causes.