How to Stop Teeth Grinding?

Many people clench and grind their teeth during the day and night unintentionally. When a person grinds their teeth, it is called Bruxism.However, when teeth grinding is habitual, it can damage teeth and lead to other issues with oral health. Stress and anxiety can trigger teeth grinding; It usually occurs while you're sleeping and is frequently caused by an improper bite, tooth loss, or misaligned teeth. Possible causes include sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.So, in this article, you will find out why you grind your teeth and how to stop teeth grinding with some treatment; please continue reading to know more.

Why are people grinding their teeth?

To determine the cause of your teeth grinding, the dentist will inquire about general oral health, prescription drugs, daily schedule, and sleeping patterns.

• Softness in your jaw tissues
• Dental anomalies that are obvious, such as damaged or missing teeth
• Other harm occurs to the gums, the bone underneath, and the interior of your skin of the cheek, generally with the assistance of X-rays
• A dental checkup may detect additional issues that cause comparable mouth or ear pain, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) abnormalities, other dental problems, or health conditions.

Also, Read How To Fix a Gap in Teeth?

How can you stop the teeth from grinding?

Treatment is only sometimes necessary. Many children develop teeth grinding without treatment, and many adults do not clench or grind their teeth in a way that necessitates therapy. Still, if the condition is serious, various dental techniques, therapies, and medications may be used to stop teeth grinding. This also helps to prevent further teeth damage and relieve jaw or discomfort pain.Here you can find the best treatments to leave the teeth-grinding habit;

1. Dental treatments

If you or your kid suffers from Bruxism, a dentist may advise you on how to protect or strengthen your teeth. Although these procedures may prevent or cure tooth wear, they could continue Bruxism:

2. Reductive coroplast

A dental surgery called reductive coroplast may be performed to reshape or level the biting edges of the teeth. A second surgery known as additive coroplast can sometimes be used to bolster the teeth. The dentist can carry out the operation.

3. Botox

Through a meta-analysis, Researchers discovered evidence in four trials that, in otherwise healthy volunteers, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may lessen discomfort and the frequency of teeth grinding.A medical practitioner injects a small amount of Botox into the masseter during this operation. Botox can help this muscle relax, but it won't stop Bruxism. This may help with headaches brought on by tooth grinding.It could be necessary to repeat the injections. 3 to 4 months is the typical duration for benefits.Also Read: The Perfect Smile: Why Zoom Teeth Whitening Is Very Popular

4. Medications

Medication could be more effective in treating Bruxism, and more study is needed to assess its usefulness. Medication to stop teeth grinding may include:

• Relaxing agents for the muscles -Sometimes, your doctor may advise you to take relaxants before going to bed briefly.

• Botox treatments - Botox, a kind of botulinum toxin, injections may help some persons with severe Bruxism who have not responded to conventional therapies.
• Anti-anxiety or stress medication - To assist you in dealing with anxiety or other emotional difficulties driving your Bruxism, your medical professional may recommend short-term antidepressants or medication for anxiety.

Also, Read Sealants in Teeth: Procedure, Benefits, Aftercare & Cost

5. At Home treatments -

These self-care measures may help prevent or treat to teeth grinding or Bruxism:

• Reduce stress - Relaxing activities such as spending time with songs, taking a warm bath, or exercising can help you calm down and may lower your risk of getting Bruxism.
• Avoid stimulating stimulants - Avoid drinking caffeinated coffee or tea after supper, and avoid alcohol in the evening, as these might aggravate Bruxism.  These substances can heighten your arousal levels and increase muscle tension, leading to more grinding.
• Maintain healthy sleeping patterns -Having a good night's rest, which may involve sleep disorder treatment, may help decrease Bruxism. you can Create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep. Ensure your bedroom environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Engage in activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music to unwind before sleep.
• Jaw and Facial Muscle Relaxation- Practice jaw and facial muscle relaxation techniques to alleviate tension. Place a warm washcloth or heating pad on your jaw joint area for a few minutes each day to soothe the muscles. Additionally, gently massaging the jaw and temples can help relieve muscle tension.

• Speak with your bed companion - If you have a napping companion, ask him or her to keep an ear out for any crushing or clicking sounds you make while napping so you may notice our dentist or specialist.
• Mouth Guards or Splints - Dentists often recommend wearing custom-made mouthguards or splints to protect teeth from grinding during sleep. These devices help create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the impact of grinding and preventing further dental damage.

• Plan frequent dental examinations - The best approach to detect Bruxism is through a dental exam. During periodic checkups and inspections, your dentist can detect evidence of grinding in the teeth and jaw.

Also Read: Would my teeth under veneer develop decay?

Other methods How to stop teeth grinding -

A few of the following methods may help treat grinding:

• Tension or anxiety management - If you crush your teeth due to anxiety, you may be able to avoid the problem by adopting relaxation techniques such as meditation. If your Bruxism is caused by anxiety, a licensed therapist or counselor can help.

• Changes in behavior -You can adjust your behavior by practicing healthy cheek and jaw positions if you realize you have clenched teeth. Ask your oral surgeon to demonstrate the ideal position for the teeth and jaw.
• Biofeedback - If you have difficulty changing your habits, you may benefit from biofeedback, a method that uses monitoring procedures and equipment to teach you to control muscle activity in your jaw.

What are the consequences and problems of tooth grinding?

Teeth grinding can cause several adverse effects, including:

• headaches
• cheeks, face, and earache
• weak or painful teeth
• teeth that are cracked, damaged, or shattered, fillings and crowns that have broken

In severe instances, difficulty speaking, chewing, and eating may also develop.You may only realize you crush your teeth once issues arise.If you have undiagnosed Bruxism for a long amount of time, the risk of consequences from tooth grinding may increase. Complications over the long term may include:

• chronically ear and head discomfort
• facial muscle enlargement
• Injury to teeth that necessitates dental operations such as bonding to teeth, fillings, crowns, or bridges
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

How can you Prevent teeth grinding?

• Avoiding coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes.
• Avoid chewing gum since it could stimulate additional grinding or increase wear and tear.
• Delivering a small amount of heat to the jaw to ease discomfort.
• Minimizing unnecessary stress and managing unexpected stress.
• External situations and events may bring on stress, but they can also result from how individuals interpret those experiences. There are strategies to handle it in either situation.

Finding support, scheduling downtime, and engaging in mindfulness exercises can all be beneficial. People should try other relaxing methods, including yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.Also Read: What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Conclusion - 

If an individual clenches or grinds their teeth unintentionally, it is called Bruxism. It can happen when someone is awake or asleep, resulting in headaches, stiffness in the jaw, and face discomfort. Continuous teeth grinding may damage the jaw joint, gums, and teeth.During a dental examination, a dentist can identify Bruxism. The goal of treatment is to reduce tooth damage by using a mouthguard or mouth splint and treating any conditions that may be causing the teeth grinding. This can entail lowering stress, switching medicines, or managing disorders like sleep apnea.Teeth grinding is a common problem that has a wide range of potential causes. Early treatment is essential to prevent serious dental issues. It is recommended to visit our doctor.