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.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are a dependable source of sleep bruxism. They function by protecting your teeth from impact as you sleep and preventing them from grinding against one another. The dentist’s office has the ability to make mouthguards to order.
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.
Minimising coronoplasty
Your teeth biting surface may be reshaped or levelled by a dental surgery called reductive coronoplasty. If your teeth grinding is brought on by crowded, crooked, or poorly aligned teeth, it might be effective. The teeth may occasionally be augmented through a second treatment known as additive coronoplasty. Both procedures can be done by your dentist.
Botox
Researchers found evidence in studies that botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may lessen pain and the frequency of teeth grinding. Botox injections to treat bruxism, go over the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor.
Jaw and tongue muscles 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.
Strategies for reducing tension
For certain individuals, mental health conditions like stress, sadness, and anxiety may be connected to teeth grinding. However, more investigation is required to connect bruxism to these disorders. 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:
Meditation
Meditation has been shown to aid with anxiety, pain, and depression as well as stress reduction. 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 medication to assist lower stress and anxiety if your stress is interfering with your everyday life.
Exercise
Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, which also help to lower stress.
Start slowly if you’ve never worked out before. First, try incorporating daily exercise into your schedule. You might also have to try a number of things to find an activity that works for you.
