If you grind or clench your teeth, you know how uncomfortable and painful it can be. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, usually affects people in their sleep, but teeth grinding symptoms may occur while you’re awake too. If you grind your teeth consistently, eventually it can cause severe tooth damage, jaw disorders, poor sleep and headaches.

But don’t worry - we’ve got 8 of the best ways that will help you stop grinding your teeth.  

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1. Reduce Stress

Many people grind their teeth due to stress and anxiety. Try to reduce your stress using techniques such as yoga, exercise, or meditation.

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2. Limit Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant, so consuming it will make it harder to relax the muscles in your jaw. Avoid soda, tea, coffee, and energy drinks.

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3. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol makes sleeping more difficult, which will increase your teeth grinding. Though alcohol may help you fall asleep, it reduces the quality of your sleep, which is bad for your bruxism.

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4. Stop Chewing Non-Foods

Chewing on non-food items (straws, pens, pencils, etc.) is often a sign of increased stress levels. Eliminating this habit will stop your brain from linking stress to chewing and mouth-related habits. Don’t chew on anything but food.

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5. Train Yourself

It will take some time and practice to hold your jaw and mouth in the correct position, but you can train yourself. If you feel your jaw clenching, try to relax and move it into the correct position.

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6. See Your Dentist

Dentists are experts when it comes to teeth grinding. Don't leave your recovery up to chance - a trained professional will be able to assess which treatments will work best for you. Click here to schedule an appointment and stop your teeth grinding for good.

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7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A study published in General Dentistry discovered that when patients combined wearing a mouth guard with cognitive behavioral therapy, they were much more likely to reduce their teeth grinding, as opposed to those that only wore the mouth guard. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help address the underlying cause of teeth grinding.

8. Eat More Vitamins

Vitamin C may help lower your stress levels, Magnesium promotes a better night’s sleep and B-Complex Vitamins can reduce stress and depression. Adding these vitamins to your diet can help overcome your bruxism.

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Hopefully these methods will help you!
Book your appointment today to get professional advice.