How to Stop Teeth Grinding

How to stop teeth grinding at night is a question that millions of Americans are asking themselves each morning. This condition is also known as Bruxism. Waking up with a sore jaw, pressure behind your ears or even headaches are not signs of a good night sleep. Sometimes worn, flat or chipped teeth or even more serious conditions such as Maloccusion or TMJ (also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder) will be enough to get you to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist.

When it comes to grinding or clenching, many people do not see eye to eye on this subject. However, research shows that Doctors say that stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding at night. Frustration or suppressed anger can also lead to this as well. In addition, by staying away from drugs or alcohol such as caffeine or pills can greatly help stop teeth grinding at night. But what many people don't realize is that there might be a simple solution to their teeth grinding problem. Mouth guards, tray's and even retainers can help stop teeth grinding. These items will work and will help protect your teeth from any further damage that may occur while sleeping.

Many researchers say that learning to relax will help you to learn how to stop teeth grinding. Techniques such as yoga or stretching exercises will help with this condition. It is said that grinding or clenching is thought to be hereditary and that it is also related to gender as women are three times more likely than men to grind their teeth.

Things to check for in the mouth and on the teeth and gums are as follows. Periodontal pockets (loss of supporting bone around the teeth), bony ridges (tori), sensitive, fractures, wearing or breaking of the teeth. Other indications are difficulty to hear, sore jaw or mouth, hard to open or close your mouth, neck pain and even locked jaw.

Learning how to stop teeth grinding at night may very well be challenge in itself. To know whether it is related to stress or something else is a another story and you may need to consult with a doctor. In any case, educating yourself and taking action are the two most important steps you can do avoid grinding and clenching at night. What ever you decide, be sure to get the problem resolved before it leads to more serious conditions down the road.