Write a brief about teeth grinding, also know as bruxism. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing it, and it can lead to some serious dental problems if left untreated. Here are some best practices to stop teeth grinding: see your dentist regularly, wear a mouth guard while you sleep, and practice stress-relieving techniques before bed.
It's estimated that around 80% of adults grind their teeth at some point in their lives. While the majority do so unconsciously, grinding your teeth can lead to a number of dental problems if left untreated. In this article, we'll discuss the causes and symptoms of teeth grinding, as well as some tips for how to stop it.
Develop Positive Stress Management Habits
Some cases of bruxism are due to stress that manifests as jaw tension. You can help to reduce tightness in the jaw muscles by creating a nighttime stress reduction routine. This might include practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. It's also important to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can both increase feelings of anxiety and contribute to teeth grinding.
Wearing a Custom Mouthguard
One of the best ways to stop teeth grinding is to wear a custom mouthguard while you sleep. A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your teeth and fits snugly in your mouth, which prevents you from grinding your teeth together. If you don't want to wear a custom mouthguard, you can also try wearing a normal mouthguard or using a night guard appliance. Wearing a mouthguard is always advised as the first resort, as most of the time that is all that you will need. This brings us to the next point though that you should always seek professional advise from a doctor.
What Can Your Dentist do to Help?
Especially if you're noticing that you're grinding your teeth more than usual, it's important to see your dentist. They can help diagnose the problem and may recommend another mouthguard to wear while you sleep. If bruxism is left untreated, it can lead to serious dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If a monthguard doesn't not help you at all than usually medication is prescribed.
Medications
If you are experiencing bruxism, your dentist may prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms. There are a few different types of medications that can be used, depending on the cause of your bruxism. If you are grinding your teeth due to stress or anxiety, then medications like benzodiazepines or antidepressants may be prescribed. If the grinding is caused by another medical condition, then medications that treat that condition may be recommended.
Conclusion
Grinding your teeth can lead to some serious dental problems if left untreated. If you're noticing that you're grinding your teeth more than usual, it's important to see your dentist and get a diagnosis. There are a few different ways to treat bruxism, depending on the cause. If a mouthguard or stress management doesn't help, then your dentist may prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms.