How to Stop Clenching Your Teeth at Night

Why in the world is your dentist talking about teeth grinding to raise awareness about chronic headaches? Grinding your teeth can lead to migraines and chronic headaches along with other uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Clicking or popping in the jaw

  • Broken and cracked teeth

  • Teeth wearing down

  • Jaw soreness

Are these symptoms sounding familiar? You may be grinding your teeth at night, known as bruxism, and you may not even realize it! This is a fairly common disorder, and there are solutions to relieve your headaches and other symptoms.

Consult a dentist on Our Team at Dental Care Seattle for a customized nightguard.

While customized nightguards cannot stop teeth grinding, they can protect your teeth from the nightly grind. Why see your dentist for a nightguard? Unlike over-the-counter guards, nightguards are custom-made by your dentist of high-quality materials and fit snuggly around your smile for comfort.

Correct Misaligned Teeth

Are your teeth out of alignment? Do you wish you had a straighter smile?

You can have a beautiful smile AND possibly stop bruxism by seeing your dentist about cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Bruxism is often a sign your bite and teeth are out of alignment, and correcting it may help. Did we mention you will also gain a beautifully improved smile? You can think of it as killing two birds with one stone, walking out of our office out of pain AND with a new smile.

Some dental treatments could include:

  • Orthodontics (traditional braces or Invisalign)

  • Porcelain crowns

  • Porcelain veneers

  • And other services

Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol

If you have caffeine and alcohol in the evening, it will affect your quality of sleep. In turn, you’re more likely to clench and grind your teeth at night. Be sure you completely avoid these beverages after dinner:

  • Soda

  • Coffee

  • Tea

  • Beer/wine/hard liquor

Reduce Stress

According to The Bruxism Association, nearly 70% of bruxism cases are caused because of stress and anxiety. If you can limit your stress, you have a good chance of reducing teeth grinding. Some activities to help relieve your stress could include:

  • Exercise

  • Meditation

  • Getting a massage

  • Have a relaxing bath before going to bed

  • Breathing deeply

Stop The Nightly Grind

If you’re seeing the signs of teeth grinding (including chronic headaches or migraines), Contact Us to get you in for a nightguard consultation 206-325-0166 . It could be the solution to a great night’s sleep—free from pain!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Source.

Schedule an appointment today to talk to your dentist about a night guard.

Schedule an appointment today to talk to your dentist about a night guard.

dentistryDental Care Seattlebruxism, clenching teeth, grinding teeth, nightguard