Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding
6 Best Remedies to Stop Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Sleep is a common time for bruxism, or teeth grinding. The medical term for this is nocturnal bruxism. While you are awake, you could unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth. It’s referred to as awake bruxism.
There are steps you can do to stop teeth grinding. Depending on the root reason for your teeth grinding and the symptoms you’re experiencing, some treatments may be more effective than others.
Your dentist or doctor can advise you on the best way to stop bruxism.
Continue reading to discover potential treatments for teeth grinding.
1. Mouthguards
A type of occlusal splint that may be beneficial for sleep bruxism is a mouthguard. They function by protecting your teeth from impact as you sleep and preventing them from grinding against one another.
Mouthguards can be created specifically for a patient at the dentist’s office or bought over the counter (OTC).
Custom mouthguards could help shield your teeth from harm if you regularly grind your teeth while you sleep. They might also lessen the pressure on your jaw. Custom mouthguards cost more than off-the-shelf versions, but for certain people, they might be a better option.
Different thicknesses of mouthguards that are created to order are available. They are precisely sized and shaped to fit your jaw. Because they are composed of softer material than mouthguards you can buy at the shop, they are usually more comfortable.
Most over-the-counter overnight mouthguards are constructed of plastic. These may not be as comfy for certain people as ones that are tailored to order. Look for an OTC mouthguard made of soft plastic or one that can be boiled to soften it when shopping.
While custom-made mouthguards may be more successful for treating severe bruxism, over-the-counter mouthguards may be a more appealing and practical option for those who only grind their teeth occasionally.
2. Reductive coronoplasty
A dental procedure called reductive coronoplasty may be used to reshape or level the biting surface of your teeth. If you grind your teeth because of crowded, crooked, or poorly aligned teeth, it might work.
To bolster the teeth, a second surgery known as additive coronoplasty may be applied in some cases. Either operation can be carried out by your dentist.
3. Botox
Researchers discovered evidence that injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) may lessen discomfort and the frequency of teeth grinding in otherwise healthy participants in a meta-analysis of four studies.
To establish the safety and efficacy of utilising Botox for the treatment of teeth grinding, researchers from a later study found that more research is required.
Before starting Botox injections to treat bruxism, go over the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor.
A doctor will perform this operation by injecting tiny doses of Botox into the masseter. This powerful muscle moves the jaw. Although Botox won’t stop bruxism, it can help this muscle relax. By doing this, you might reduce headaches brought on by teeth grinding.
There might be a need for additional injections. The typical duration of benefits is three to four months.
4. Biofeedback
A technique called biofeedback is intended to assist individuals in becoming conscious of and changing a behaviour. It can be used to stop bruxism while sleeping as well as while waking.
Through visual, vibratory, or aural feedback produced by electromyography, a biofeedback therapist will instruct you on how to control your jaw muscle movements during biofeedback.
There is a dearth of research on biofeedback’s efficacy in bruxism treatment.
Evidence supporting potential short-term advantages of using contingent electrical stimulation was discovered in one review. To comprehend the long-term advantages and effectiveness of various biofeedback techniques, more research is required.
5. Techniques to reduce stress
Some individuals may experience teeth grinding in conjunction with mental health conditions like stress, sadness, and anxiety. But further investigation is required to connect bruxism to these ailments.
Techniques for reducing stress could be useful if you grind your teeth. It’s a low-risk therapy that can help improve your general health.
You can try the following stress-reduction methods:
Exercise
Additionally, exercise lowers stress by releasing feel-good endorphins.
Start slowly if you’ve never worked out before. First, try incorporating daily exercise into your schedule. To find an activity that relaxes you, you might need to try a range of them. Here’s a starting point.
Meditation
Stress, worry, and discomfort can all be relieved via meditation.
Join a meditation group or try downloading a meditation app. It takes practise to meditate. It might work best when combined with additional treatments. Learn which kind of meditation is most effective for you.
Talk therapy
Anxiety, despair, and stress may be lessened with the help of talking to a therapist, counsellor, or dependable friend. A psychiatrist may also, if necessary, prescribe drugs to assist lower stress and anxiety if your stress is interfering with your everyday life.
Yoga
A 20-person small study found that practising yoga significantly reduced mild to moderate depression. For eight weeks, each participant engaged in two 90-minute Hatha yoga sessions. However, more extensive research is required to fully comprehend yoga’s impact on depression.
Does yoga interest you? Start by reading our comprehensive guide to yoga.
6. Jaw & Tongue muscle exercises
Exercises for the tongue and jaw muscles can help you relax the jaw and facial muscles and keep your mouth in the right position. These are things you can practise at home or with a physical therapist.
Try out the following workouts:
- Widen your mouth and place your tongue against your front teeth. This aids with jaw relaxation.
- Out loud, say the letter “N.” By doing this, you can prevent clenching and prevent your top and bottom teeth from contact.
To relax the muscles in your jaw, you could also try giving it a gentle massage.
What consequences and negative effects might tooth grinding cause?
Several negative side effects of teeth grinding include:
- Headaches
- Jaw, face, and ear discomfort
- Teeth thinning and flattening
- Aching or loose teeth
- Teeth with chips, cracks, or fractures
- Fracture of crowns and fillings
Extreme cases may also involve issues with swallowing, speaking, and chewing.
If no symptoms are present, you might not be aware that you grind your teeth.
If you suffer from bruxism for an extended period of time without receiving treatment, your risk of consequences from teeth grinding may rise. Long-term issues could include:
- Recurring ear discomfort and headache
- Increased facial muscle size
- Tooth damage that calls for dental treatments like dental bonding, filling, crowns, or bridges
- Abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
When to visit the dentist
Consult a dentist if you are aware that you grind your teeth or if you believe it may be the cause of your pain or other symptoms. They can check the wear on your teeth to see if you grind them. Your bite and alignment can also be examined.
Your dentist can suggest that you visit your doctor for the treatment of an underlying condition depending on the potential causes.
Outlook
Teeth grinding is a frequent mouth condition that has a wide range of potential causes. Early treatment is crucial to avert serious dental issues. Both your dentist and doctor can help you identify and treat bruxism.