Dealing with Bruxism: Tips to Protect Your Smile

Daily stress, lack of physical activity, and even certain medications can cause bruxism, a condition that causes clenching and grinding of the teeth. Besides contributing to building up tension, this can lead to several dental issues that will have you visiting your dentist in Pompano Beach often.

Because bruxism happens mainly while you’re asleep, it’s mainly involuntary and hardly impossible to control. However, there are certain ways you can lessen its consequences and even target its causes at its root. To help you achieve that, we came up with these tips.

5 Tips for Managing Bruxism and Protecting Your Smile

1. Use a Mouthguard at Night

Wearing a specially fitted mouthguard while you sleep is one of the best ways to lessen the negative effects of bruxism. Mouthguards protect your teeth by acting as a cushion that prevents direct grinding.

It’s important to opt for custom mouthguards over over-the-counter options, though, as these offer more strength and protection. Moreover, they fit better as they’re designed out of a mold of your teeth by visiting a dentist, making them a preferred option for many.

2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Managing your stress and anxiety can significantly lessen your teeth grinding, as they are two of the main causes of bruxism. This won’t only benefit your teeth but will also contribute to your overall health.

Stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation, practicing deep breathing, or even listening to some relaxing music before going to bed can significantly help reduce tension. By incorporating these practices and controlling your stress levels during the day, you can reduce your grinding at night.

3. Avoid Stimulants and Alcohol

Substances that contain stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, can contribute to your teeth grinding. These drugs may cause an increase in muscle activity, which could result in more frequent or intense nighttime teeth grinding.

Because alcohol frequently throws off your natural sleep cycle and can cause an increase in muscle activity while you are asleep, it can also exacerbate bruxism.

Don’t worry if you’re a hardcore coffee drinker. Simply limiting these substances, especially during the evening, can help lessen your chances of grinding.

4. Massage and Stretch Your Jaw Muscles

• Just as bruxism can worsen TMJ disease, tight jaw muscles often contribute to bruxism. There are certain exercises you can do to prevent, though, like:
• Slowly open and close your mouth,
• Make small side-to-side movements to loosen the muscles,
• Relieve tension by massaging the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and jaw.

All of these gentle stretching exercises help relieve tightness, reducing involuntary clenching and grinding.

5. Avoid Chewy and Hard Foods

Foods that need to be chewed thoroughly, such as gum, nuts, or tough meats, can strain your jaw muscles more and make grinding worse.

Steer clear of these foods at all costs, particularly after dark. Eating softer foods like yogurt, boiled vegetables, and soup could aid in reducing excessive clenching of your jaw by relaxing your muscles.

Take Control of Your Bruxism with a Dentist in Pompano Peach

Small adjustments can have a significant impact on symptom relief and the avoidance of future dental and jaw damage. These adjustments can include wearing a mouthguard, lowering your stress level, or just being more aware of your habits.

Moreover, regular check-ups with your dentist are important to monitor any signs of wear or damage. So, reach out to Park Plaza Dental and start taking care of your smile!