How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit

Plenty of men and women all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some men and women grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some people grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can take place consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be dangerous to both your oral health and overall physical health.

Let’s talk about it.

Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

Caffeine consumption
Sleep apnea
Acid reflux
Depression or anxiety
Hyperactivity
Certain medications

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

Tooth pain
Jaw pain
Loss of tooth enamel or worn down teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Earaches
Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most frequent and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. It’s to seek guidance from a dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental abnormality that can trigger or aggravate your grinding.

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Some teeth grinders can successfully overcome this condition on their own. Most individuals, however, need professional help from a doctor or dentist.

Ways to treat tooth grinding include:

Use a custom-fitted mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is smart to consult a professional. Drs. Almeida at Almeida & Bell Dental Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry in Lone Tree is available for consultations about tooth grinding.