How do I stop grinding my teeth?
There many ways to try and stop teeth grinding, which is also known as bruxism. The grinding of teeth is usually caused by a mix of physical and emotional factors. In some cases, it could be due to stress or anxiety, as grinding teeth allows people to focus and cope under pressure. However, this action can have negative impacts, but there are a few things you can do to break the habit.
Primarily, if you are suffering from particularly emotional or stressful circumstances, it could be that you should seek out remedies and coping mechanisms for this. This could be as simple as exercising more, reading, or finding time to relax. By doing this you are likely to reduce the time spent worrying and consequently grinding your teeth.
Alternatively, it could be that the grinding happens whilst you are sleeping. If this is the case, then you might want to consider a mouthguard. These are like the ones used in sport and will create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding.
Finally, stopping grinding may require a level of self-control. If you are aware of the habit, then focusing on reducing the amount of time spent grinding could be the solution. You can also cut down on alcohol and smoking which can sometimes contribute to grinding your teeth at night. For any more information regarding bruxism, please contact your dental professional and they will be happy to provide further techniques and advice on how to combat the problem.
Book an appointment