Do you wake up with headaches? Is your jaw sore in the morning? Do your teeth hurt or even feel loose? Have you noticed wear on them? If you show these conditions, you may have bruxism, teeth grinding or clenching that often occurs at night. This can be caused by stress, sleep disorders, or even alcohol consumption. If left untreated, bruxism may result in tooth loss/fracture or TMJ disorder. Luckily, there are several treatments your dentist may recommend.
Night Guard
This is the most common treatment because it is the most effective. Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep stops clenching and prevents grinding damage.
Relax
Stress in the day is the most common cause of teeth grinding and clenching at night.
- Do relaxation exercises or meditation before you go to bed.
- Keep a consistent bedtime routine.
- Keep your bedroom environment comfortable, dark, and quiet. Do not keep work-related items in the bedroom.
- A dentist may recommend counseling or muscle relaxants in more extreme cases.
Sleep
How you sleep—such as snoring, sleeping on your back, sleep deprivation, or sleep apnea—can cause bruxism.
- Get plenty of sleep each night.
- Try to sleep on your side or stomach (this will also prevent snoring).
- If you have sleep apnea, you may need to consult a sleep specialist.
Daily Bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth in the day can cause you to do so at night.
- Stop grinding and clenching your teeth in the day.
- Hold your tongue lightly against the back of your upper front teeth with your lips together and your teeth apart. Training your tongue like this can prevent nightly bruxism.
Avoid Substances
There are several harmful substances that have been linked with bruxism. Avoid consuming:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Caffeine