Put an End to the Nighttime Teeth Clenching

If you have found out that you clench your teeth at night, you may be surprised. In fact, many people do not know that they do it. At Access Dental Care in Reno, we will discuss teeth clenching with you and help you overcome the bad habit.

If you were unaware you were doing it, there really is no way for you to stop, but our dentist will easily be able to identify it because your teeth will show signs of Bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that is often caused by stress and it involves the grinding or clenching of your teeth when you sleep at night and sometimes even throughout the day. Almost always, you will not be able to tell that you are doing it.

If you find that you wake up in the morning with a headache or you have neck and jaw pain, then you are likely clenching your teeth in your sleep. Bruxism is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Many times, the condition is quite mild enough that you never even have to receive treatment for it, but if the condition is severe, you could crack or break your teeth.

If you want to stop teeth clenching in Reno, NV, here are some tips to make it possible.

1. Wear a Splint or Mouth Guard

One of your first options is to wear a splint or mouth guard when you sleep at night. The guard will protect your teeth in the event that you do bite down. Guards and splints are not designs to completely eliminate the problem, but they aid in making sure that your teeth are not damaged during the process.

2. Reduce Your Stressors

Since bruxism is caused by stress, it is important that you work to reduce any stress that you have in your life. For example, you can take classes to learn how to better manage your stress and relax. If you practice relaxing techniques before bed, you will find that you do not clench your teeth as much.

3. Acupuncture

If you have heard of acupuncture, then you know that many people swear by it. The process can help alleviate pain, anxiety, stress, and more. If you have tried other techniques to reduce and eliminate bruxism and they have not worked, you may want to try having acupuncture done.

4. Eliminate Alcohol and Caffeine

Caffeine and alcohol can act as stimulants and if you drink them before bed, you may have a heightened sense of stress and anxiety. You do not have to eliminate these items from your diet completely, but make sure that you are limiting them before bed.

5. Have Misaligned Teeth Corrected

If you find the bruxism is continuing, you may have an underlying condition causing the problem such as misaligned teeth. If this is the case, you may need to consider a dental procedure to adjust your teeth such as braces, aligners, etc. Once the treatment is complete, your bruxism should be eliminated.

6. Use a Muscle Relaxant

A muscle relaxant can help prevent bruxism as your muscles will not locked up and strain when you do clench. The relaxant must be prescribed, so you will need to talk to your dentist if you find that you continue to clench your teeth. Sometimes, muscle relaxers can allow you to form a dependence on them, so you must be careful when you take them.

As you can see, bruxism can quickly be eased and cured if you work hard to eliminate the stress in your life and reduce the amount of anxiety you experience. If you have any questions or concerns about bruxism, contact Access Dental Care in Reno today for a consultation.