How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Is teeth-grinding causing pain or discomfort?

Try following these simple tips to reduce your grinding and spare yourself the grief of cracked or broken teeth and TMJ disorders:

• A lot of grinding is caused by stress. Figure out the cause of your stress, and find a way to help yourself relax.
• Pain in the teeth or jaw area can cause you to grind. Don’t wait to go to the dentist if you’re feeling pain.
• Limit your intake of caffeine.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• If you’re in the habit of chewing items that are not food, like pens, bottle caps, or even gum, you’re training your jaw muscles to clench. This can contribute to grinding.
• If you grind during the day, you can force your jaw muscles to relax by placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth.
• If you grind while you sleep, try relaxing your jaw muscles before going to bed. You can do this by pressing a warm washcloth against your cheek for a few minutes.

Contact Bellevue Overlake Dental

If these tips don’t help or you’re more concerns with grinding your teeth, please contact Overlake Dental.