Is There Any Remedy For Teeth Grinding?

Bruxism or teeth grinding is very common in kids and usually happens during sleep or stress. Also, middle-aged adults are found to grind their teeth during their sleep. If you or your child experience symptoms of Bruxism that aren’t serious, you can try out few home remedies to supplement treatment and kick the habit.

Remedies to Keep Teeth Grinding at Bay

Practice Muscle Stretching Exercises

Some muscle stretching exercises lessens the discomfort related to tooth grinding. These are:

• Mindful Teeth Placement: Maintain a little gap between your upper and lower teeth to stop grinding or clenching. Do this exercise every time, except while chewing.
• Jaw Exercise: Open your mouth as wide open as you comfortably can and try to touch your tongue to your front teeth. This exercise helps to relax your jaw muscles.

Hot Towel/ Compress

If you unconsciously clench your teeth, a warm compress can help relax the muscles and increase blood circulation in that part. Lie down and rest a side of your face on a heating pad. Use the hot compress for 15 minutes and then repeat this process on the opposite side. You can also try this with a hot towel if you don’t have a heating pad.

Meditate and also Practice Yoga

When you meditate, sit comfortably and focus your mind in silence. Don’t allow your thoughts to wander your mind. You can also practice yoga to manage your stress level.

Eat Magnesium-Rich Food

Change in your diet can also help you quit your grinding habit. Magnesium helps in relaxation and regulates mood. Have magnesium-rich foods such as boiled spinach, avocados, black-eyed peas, dry roasted almonds, bananas, pumpkin seeds, fish, yogurt, dark chocolate, and flaxseed. 

Drink Turmeric Milk

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties that can give relief to your aching jaw muscles. And the acid present in milk helps to relax your nervous system and promotes sound sleep. If you dislike the taste of turmeric milk, just add honey. Drink a glass every day before bedtime for the best results.

Drink Herbal Tea

When you drink herbal tea, it naturally minimizes your stress, relaxes your body and mind, and helps you to remain calm. Drink a cup of warm green tea before bed to reduce grinding habits.

Try Bite guard

Mouthguards are sometimes also called night guards, bite splints, or dental splints. If you wear a bite splint overnight, it can minimize grinding habits and prevent damage to teeth. You can either buy one from a drugstore or, preferably, get one custom-made by your dentist.

Note: Store-bought models are not as durable or well-fitted.

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salts contain detoxing elements that flush the toxins and heavy metals from the body. Epsom salt baths will help you to relax, soothe your muscles and alleviate stress. 

Avoid hard and sticky foods 

Try to stay away from foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies. Also, be cautious with peanut butter and other sticky foods that are difficult to chew. Don’t chew gum.

Include Vitamin B and C in your Diet 

Vitamin B-rich foods like potatoes, vegetables in the cabbage family, fish, chicken, and organ meats like liver, and seafood can help reduce psychological stress and fight depression.

Vitamin C benefits the adrenal glands which help in keeping you more resistant to stress. It can be found in many fruits and vegetables, like citruses and peppers, guava, papaya, broccoli, strawberries, and many more. You can also opt for supplements if you don’t have time to eat naturally occurring Vitamin C.

What are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?

• sensitive and painful teeth 
• loose teeth
• jaw, face, ear, and neck pain 
• chipped and cracked teeth 
• worn tooth enamel 
• fatigue
• flattened biting surfaces
• triggered headaches
• problems in entirely opening or closing your jaw
• sleep disorders
• damaged fillings and crowns

What are the Causes of Teeth Grinding?

• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking 
• Consuming heavy alcohol
• Intake of caffeine
• Depression 
• Suffering from obstructive sleep apnea 

Final Words

Mild teeth grinding is not harmful and does not require treatment. But if it becomes frequent, it is crucial to seek dental care. 

Now, if you’re looking for the best dentist in Plantation, FL to receive quality care and treatment for your oral issues, then visit us at My Dentist for Life. Our experienced dentist will be able to investigate the significant health problems that can arise, and advise appropriate steps to help you resolve the symptoms. You can just call us or book an appointment online.