Did you know that eight percent of people suffer from Bruxism? Bruxism is another word for grinding your teeth. Sufferers deal with symptoms ranging from the most common headache to fractured teeth so trying to figure out a way to stop grinding your teeth can be a top priority.  Read further to find out some tips and tricks on how to stop grinding your teeth. 

You Should Reduce Your Stress

One of the most common reasons people suffer from Bruxism is due to stress.  The best way to reduce stress is by simply learning to relax yourself.  This can be difficult if you suffer from anxiety and deal with the fight or flight response in non emergency situations, but it is not impossible.  A very effective way to help yourself relax is by learning how to slow your heart rate. You can do this by practicing deep breathing. Slowing your breaths down will lead to a reduced heart rate.  Another way that you could slow things down is by slashing your face with cold water or keeping a cold wet rag on your forehead and the back of your head.  This will stimulate the dive reflex in the brain.

You May Need To Change Your Diet

Consuming foods with caffeine like soda, coffee, and excessive amounts of chocolate can result in or make Bruxism worse since they all work as stimulants.  Stimulants are known to cause clinching or grinding of the teeth so reducing or cutting out such foods can eliminate grinding of the teeth.

Give Yourself A Daily Message

Things like stress and stimulants can cause muscle tension in your body so massaging your jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles every night before bed can help relax your strained out muscles to prevent Bruxism throughout the night.  You can also place a warm washcloth on your face in front of the earlobe to further relax your jaw muscles.

Stop Chewing On Non Food Items

Chewing on things like gum and pen caps can train your jaw to clench, which can either lead to or make Bruxism worse.  The goal is to train your muscles to be as relaxed as possible when your not eating or talking.  So you need to reduce or stop chewing on things that aren't food.

Teeth grinding can be a nasty habit that many are unaware they have until they start showing signs.  If you are one of the many sufferers of Bruxism then remember these simple steps to help stop this nasty habit.  Stress, chewing gum, and stimulants will cause unneeded tension on the muscles in your body including the jaw so changing your diet, habits, and learning how to relax can help reduce or eliminate grinding. Talk to your dentist for more information. 

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