How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night

Twenty percent of all adults grind their teeth at night. Grinding (bruxism) can be caused by stress or an unconscious attempt to smooth out a poor bite. It wears down and may fracture teeth, and it can lead to gum and jaw problems. Here's how you can prevent the inevitable permanent tooth damage.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rubber mouthpiece
• Stress Relief Products
• Relaxing CDs
• Relaxation Tapes
• Relaxation Videos

1. Make an appointment with your dentist, who will make a custom mouthpiece for you to wear at night. This will prevent further damage to your teeth and may reduce your tendency to grind.

2. Ask your dentist to file down your "high spots," which are any teeth that interfere with a comfortable, aligned bite.

3. Hold a warm, damp cloth next to your face for 10 minutes before you go to bed to help calm your jaw muscles.

4. Relax before bedtime by meditating, taking a hot bath or stretching.

5. Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.

6. Learn to reduce stress. Take stress management classes and learn relaxation techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• Researchers are investigating the use of periodic injections of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat severe teeth grinding. Ask your dentist for more information if you're interested.

• If you wake up with headaches, ear pain, pain in your jaw or if your teeth look misaligned, call your dentist.

• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.