Do you suffer from teeth grinding? This condition can make you unconsciously clench and grind your teeth even when you are sleeping. This habit might cause dental damage in the long run, result in jaw pain, and even cause headaches. You can experience this because of stress, anxiety, teeth misalignment, etc. Only nightguards might not help you..
Go through this guide to explore the different methods of dealing with teeth grinding without this temporary orthodontic device.
Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce Teeth Grinding?
Do you lead an unhealthy lifestyle? Well, in that case, making these few changes might help you get rid of this damaging habit:
- Practicing mindfulness with yoga, deep breathing, and certain stress management therapies can help you dress the underlying anxiety causing this condition.
- Establish a proper sleep routine by avoiding screen time before bed. Set a fixed time to go to bed and try to wake up early.’
- Try to sleep on your back, as this can reduce the pressure on your jaw compared to sleeping on your stomach or side.
- Limit the consumption of certain food items like tea, coffee,e tc in the evening. Smoking and alcohol can also disrupt sleep patterns.
You can use a nightguard in conjunction with these good habits to prevent the breaking of teeth, gum diseases, etc.
Can Facial Exercises Help Relieve Bruxism Without Nightguard?
Here are certain jaw relaxation techniques that can help ease the tension in your jaw muscles:
- Open your mouth slowly and move your jaw in circular motions.
- You can also place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth and gently close and open your mouth.
- Self-massage with gentle pressure can improve blood circulation in your jaw area. Do this before bedtime.
- Retraining your mouth can reduce unconscious grinding. Rest your tongue on the mouth of your roof to keep the teeth and lips slightly apart.
Can Dietary and Nutritional Adjustments Help Reduce Teeth Grinding?
Yes, making changes to your diet and nutritional intake might play a role in muscle relaxation. Here are some helpful tips:
- Magnesium can have a positive impact on your muscles. So try to have foods like bananas, almonds, spinach, etc.
- Dairy products and leafy vegetables rich in calcium can strengthen your teeth to protect them from getting damaged easily.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your muscles, including your jaw, relaxed and hydrated.
You can also try additional procedures, such as botox, acupuncture and chiropractic care to get rid of this dental condition.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you re suffering from the side effects of this oral habit, its always advisable for you to see a dentist. Check for noticeable damage to your teeth and gums. On some occasions, you might also experience difficulty while chewing or opening your mouth fully.
The dentist can assess the extent of damage with their diagnostic tools and take the necessary steps to protect your oral health.
Teeth grinding can have serious consequences, but a nightguard is definitely not the only solution. Jaw exercises, lifestyle changes, etc., can help you reduce. Experiment with the alternative methods and seek assistance from a professional if necessary.
Are you ready to embrace a pain-free, healthier tomorrow? Schedule a consultation today!
