Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that many people suffer from. This occurs when a person grinds their teeth together while sleeping. Bruxism may be caused by several different things including stress, misalignment of the teeth, heredity, and improper diet. As many as 15-33% of people begin grinding their teeth during childhood. Most children grow out of this habit, but some continue to have this problem as an adult. These are some tips that may help put an end to teeth grinding.

Wearing A Night Guard 

Your dentist can design a customized night guard to wear while you are sleeping. The guard fits between the upper and lower teeth so that they are no longer in contact. The night guard may be made of plastic or acrylic.

Even if it does not stop the teeth grinding completely, wearing a night guard protects the teeth because it creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth and reduces the pressure on them when grinding occurs.

Relaxing Before Going To Bed 

Using relaxation techniques often helps relieve the stress that triggers bruxism. You may want to take a long, warm bath before retiring at night. You can also try massaging each side of the jaws to help stop them from tensing up. 

Taking a walk or doing relaxation exercises also helps relive the stress that may cause teeth grinding. Many who do yoga or simple stretching have found this helps prevent them from grinding their teeth while sleeping as frequently.

Changing Your Diet 

If you find that teeth grinding occurs more often when you have been eating especially hard or chewy foods, it may help to make a change in your diet. Eating foods like thick steaks, popcorn, and hard crusted bread may actually cause you to grind your teeth more frequently while you sleep. Try eating softer foods for a few days to see if this makes a difference.

If you continue to grind your teeth in your sleep, this can cause substantial damage. You may begin having frequent toothaches and your gums may feel sore and irritated during the day. You can take mild pain relievers that will ease the pain and help relax your jaw muscles as well. Over time, if teeth grinding continues, you may have chipped teeth, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. If you cannot resolve this problem on your own, it is best to seek professional help from your dentist.

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.getaperfectsmile.com.