Teeth grinding is a common oral habit that often happens while asleep but can also occur subconsciously while awake. Also known as bruxism, this condition is dangerous for your dental health, leading to issues like fractured teeth, headaches, and jaw pain. Along with the help of a dentist, here are a few ways to kick this habit and protect your smile.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

1. Wear a Nightguard

A nightguard is a dental device that cushions and protects your teeth while asleep. While there are over-the-counter options available, an appliance custom-made by your dentist will be more effective and comfortable. That's because the nightguard will be fitted specifically to your teeth as a defensive shield, helping with the severity and frequency of symptoms. As a result, people that wear this device often experience reduced jaw muscle pain and fewer headaches.

2. Utilize Relaxation Techniques

Stress and anxiety commonly cause teeth grinding, so you should identify and eliminate the triggers behind these emotional reactions. Changes in lifestyle that improve your mental health will also significantly affect your oral care.

Commit to practices that help you feel calmer and more peaceful. This can include meditation, yoga, talk therapy, or self-care practices like taking a warm bath with essential oils.

3. Avoid Triggering Foods

Some foods and beverages are linked to bruxism, triggering acid reflux and often resulting in poor digestion and low-quality sleep. To mitigate teeth grinding, limit eating foods with caffeine or high sugar content, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, or chocolate. Tobacco has stimulants that affect signals to the brain, and alcohol can interrupt sleep patterns, so you should also avoid these items.

If you need help with teeth grinding, visit Springville Family Dental Center in Alabama. Since 1989, this practice has provided reliable general and cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family. Their highly trained team can repair and correct various oral issues, from teeth cleanings and dentures to dental implants and teeth whitening. Call (205) 467-6147 to schedule an appointment with a dentist, and visit the website to download a new patient form.