Tips You Can Use to Battle Bruxism and Chronic Teeth Grinding

When you chronically grind your teeth, you suffer from a condition known as bruxism. This dental condition can be due to several reasons but is often linked with daily stress in your life. Bruxism can have severe consequences on your dental health. Dr. Adnan Saleem at Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics in Carrollton, Texas, provides custom mouthguards as a teeth grinding solution to patients. Here are some tips for battling bruxism and teeth grinding.

Relax Before Going to Bed

When you have had a stressful day, a lot of built-up tension can rest in your jaw. You should look to unwind this tension before going to bed for the evening. There are some techniques you can follow that promote relaxation, including the following:

• Taking a warm, soothing bath before bed to help relax your jaw muscles.
• Applying a warm, heated pad or a warmed, wet towel to your jaw.
• Drinking a soothing and warm herbal tea. Make sure it is caffeine-free.

Begin an Exercise Routine

Bruxism and its symptoms, including teeth grinding, are often a result of stress. The tension that results from stress in your day-to-day life can manifest as teeth grinding. It has been found that daily exercise is a fantastic way to release stress in a manner other than harmful grinding and tension of the jaw. If you are not exercising, do yourself a favor and start. You may find that you are grinding your teeth less and seeing fewer harmful effects from bruxism.

Talk to Your Dentist About a Nighttime Mouthguard

When you allow constant teeth grinding to continue unabated, the enamel of your teeth will be what takes the brunt of the punishment. When enamel wears away due to grinding, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and could even crack or fracture. With the help of your dentist, one easy step you can take is to get a personalized nighttime mouthguard made for you. Your dentist will fit you for this nightguard, and it will be more comfortable than anything you find at your nearby grocery or drug store. Wearing a nighttime mouthguard is one of the best ways to battle bruxism and teeth grinding. Your teeth will thank you.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adnan Saleem for a custom-made nighttime mouthguard, please call (972) 388-3320 today.

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