How to Stop Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

If you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw, painful teeth or a headache, you could be grinding your teeth at night. This condition, called bruxism, can eventually damage the teeth and the temporomandibular joints of the jaw. With the help of your dentist, you can pinpoint the problem and put a stop to teeth grinding. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

1. Visit your dentist for an exam. The dentist may suspect bruxism if he discovers unusual wear spots on your teeth, cracks or fractures. Tell your dentist about any symptoms you may be having.

2. Try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding. Stress, sleep problems, an abnormal bite, missing teeth or crooked teeth may be contributing factors.

3. Ask the dentist about a custom-made nightguard to wear while sleeping. Made of a soft material, a nightguard slips over the teeth of one jaw and protects the other jaw from contact.

4. Consider having your dentist reduce high spots on your teeth to help improve an abnormal bite. More serious cases may require additional dental work.

5. Examine the stress in your life. Your "daily grind" may be contributing to your nightly grind! Find ways to relax before bedtime, like listening to music, reading, or taking a bath. Consider counseling if your stress is overwhelming.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a warm washcloth to your face to relax sore muscles.