How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (30 Ratings)

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1
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.
Step2
Ask your dentist to file down your "high spots," which are any teeth that interfere with a comfortable, aligned bite.
Step3
Hold a warm, damp cloth next to your face for 10 minutes before you go to bed to help calm your jaw muscles.
Step4
Relax before bedtime by meditating, taking a hot bath or stretching.
Step5
Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Step6
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.

Comments

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ugotmlk said

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on 6/30/2008 I've heard that the mouth piece can run around $500. Is that accurate?

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on 5/16/2008 Good advice, thanks!

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on 1/30/2008 I have found that a soft rubber mouthguard would cause me to clench down a lot harder. The hard plastic one worked better for me.

However you may want to look at http://www.cureforbruxism.com

fzfdd0 said

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on 12/19/2006 I grind so bad, my dental implant is moving and my teeth are spreading! I am going to a new nightguard device called an orthodic, not sure if that is the spelling.

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on 12/14/2006 i dont belive these work as my partner still grinds his teeth as
though we are
working at a metal factory. it makes me so angry thyat i have to sleep downstairs.

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eHow Article:  How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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