Some people grind their teeth while sleeping. This is a condition known as bruxism. While occasional teeth grinding (bruxism) doesn’t usually cause harm, severe bruxism can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, and damaged teeth.
Sometimes, severe bruxism can lead to tooth loss. You can find a reliable dentist in your area who specializes in teeth replacement solutions to get your teeth back to their former glory. It is also worth finding a clinic that offers sleep apnea treatment since teeth grinding at night can also be due to sleep apnea disorder.
Fighting Bruxism for Better Well-Being
Addressing your teeth grinding issues can help you enjoy better well-being. It can help reduce or eliminate the headaches that you experience upon waking up, for starters. It can also help you avoid damage to your teeth and save you money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures.
In addition, treating bruxism can also improve your eating habits. When you have bruxism, you may not be able to chew your food correctly, leading to indigestion and other digestive issues. Solving your teeth grinding problem can help you enjoy your meals more and improve overall nutrition.
Treating bruxism can also help you feel more confident. When you don’t have to worry about your teeth being damaged or your jaw being sore, you can focus on enjoying your life and the people in it. You’ll also be able to smile more often without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
But What Causes Bruxism?
In some cases, bruxism may be due to stress or anxiety. In other cases, it may be due to an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea or Parkinson’s disease. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Sometimes, teeth grinding at night can be due to misaligned teeth or an improper bite. No matter the underlying cause of your bruxism, it’s essential to seek treatment to enjoy better well-being.
Why Bruxism Cases Rose during the Pandemic
Lately, many people have been dealing with increased stress and anxiety levels. According to a study, dentists found a 70% increase in bruxism rates during the Covid-19 outbreak. Stress-related conditions during these trying times made people more prone to teeth grinding at night to cope with all the changes and challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Stress is a usual trigger for bruxism. When we’re anxious, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. This “fight or flight” response is meant to help us deal with stressful situations. However, in some cases, it can also lead to teeth grinding.
Ways to Fight Bruxism
Fighting bruxism can help improve your well-being. Thankfully, there are many ways to do this. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Before going to bed, be sure to do some relaxation exercises to help reduce stress. This can include yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. You can also try listening to calming music or reading a relaxing book.
Relaxing before bedtime will help prepare your body for sleep and reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding at night. This will help you wake up feeling refreshed without the headaches or jaw pain that bruxism can cause.
Use a Mouth Guard
If stress is the primary trigger for your bruxism, a mouth guard can help protect your teeth from damage. Mouth guards are designed to fit over your teeth and buffer between your upper and lower teeth. This can help prevent your teeth from grinding against each other and reduce the amount of damage that bruxism can cause.
There are many mouth guards available, so be sure to talk to your dentist about which one would be best for you. You may also want to consider getting a custom-made mouth guard. These are often more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options.
Do Jaw Exercises
There are specific exercises that you can do to relax your jaw muscles and reduce teeth grinding. One exercise you can try is placing your tongue between your teeth and then opening and closing your mouth. You can also try holding a warm washcloth against your cheek or massaging your temples.
These exercises can help relax your jaw muscles and reduce the number of teeth grinding at night. Be sure to do them regularly, as they can take some time to be effective.
Quit Smoking
Studies show that higher tobacco use is strongly related to teeth grinding at night. When we smoke, the nicotine in cigarettes can lead to an increase in teeth grinding. In addition, smoking can also contribute to other dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth loss.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your oral health. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, so be sure to talk to your doctor or dentist about the best option.
If you’re one of the many people who have been dealing with bruxism, know that there is still hope. There are many ways to fight this condition and improve your well-being. Be sure to talk to your dentist about the best treatment options.
Bruxism can impact your overall well-being, so it’s essential to find ways to fight it. Try relaxation techniques, mouth guard, jaw exercises, and quitting smoking. These tips can help you reduce the number of teeth grinding that you do at night and improve your well-being.
If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, start by visiting your dentist for an evaluation. Additionally, there are some things you can do during the day to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. With a little bit of effort, you can get on the path to better health and well-being — both physically and mentally.
