The future of the world continues to become a blur due to the pandemic. People are left to deal with their growing anxieties, whether it’s the state of their job, the additional sources of income they can venture into, or simply the general state of the world and the future.
Stressing over a multitude of things leads to different effects on your health—including the uncontrollable habit of grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding—or bruxism—may also be due to internal factors, including the misalignment of your teeth, a sleeping condition, or a previous oral procedure.
Read on below to find out some ways to help you quit teeth grinding.
Ways to Tell You’re Grinding Your Teeth
The most immediate sign of teeth grinding is when you wake up and feel that your jaw is unusually sore. There are also instances where you will wake up finding yourself still grinding your teeth! Having someone sleep next to you and observe you is also another way to figure this out.
Aside from that sign, if you experience mild headaches or persistent pain or popping sensations in your jaw, you probably unconsciously do it. You can also take a trip to the dentist to see if they find traces of chronic tooth wear to check this out properly.
Methods to Help You Avoid Teeth Grinding
Consult Your Dentist
For you to stop the unwanted habits from persisting is by first determining the cause. Asking help from your dentist will allow you to measure the severity of your teeth grinding situation and figure out whether an oral problem is causing it.
Your dentist will also have the proper recommendations to eliminate your problem. In some cases, they may require you to wear a mouthguard to secure your teeth while you’re sleeping. A protective device is necessary, especially if you want to avoid enamel loss or deal with damaged teeth because of your excessive teeth grinding.
Avoid Stress
Teeth grinding can also result from dealing with tension and anxiety. It happens when you’re unconscious, so it’s vital to practice a calming routine to introduce your body to a relaxing state before you fall asleep.
Limiting the use of gadgets, especially your smartphone, is also recommended an hour before bed. Doing so helps get rid of the noise in your head and the strain on your eyes. Another way of dodging stress is by exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and practicing a balanced diet.
You’re also encouraged to quit smoking cigarettes, drinking caffeine, and other possibly addictive practices that are keeping your body from having a good night’s rest.
Develop a Schedule
Other methods to help calm your mind and body include reading a book, writing in a journal, taking time off to pray or meditate, and listening to soothing music to put you to sleep. These small but healthy steps will push you to reduce stress in your life and lead to better sleeping patterns because you’re always looking forward to accomplishing your daily schedule.
Conclusion
Being conscious about your decisions and creating a routine that involves self-care can also help you fall asleep better and avoid teeth grinding. Training your mind and body to follow a set of tasks every night will “trick” your brain to falling asleep deeply on routine.
Are you looking for an affordable dentist in Ann Arbor, MI to help you with your teeth grinding problem? At Dental House Home of Dentistry, we can provide you with the treatment you need to protect your teeth and create a healthy smile you’ll love. Get in touch with us today and see how we can help!