If you have facial tension, jaw pain, or headaches when you wake up, you may be grinding your teeth at night and not know it. Teeth grinding puts immense pressure on the teeth and causes damage such as chipped or fractured teeth and even tooth loss.
It’s crucial not to ignore the signs of teeth grinding and seek treatment from a dental professional. A thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and bite can help determine the underlying causes of your bruxism so you can find the best treatment option.
What are your treatment options when seeking help for bruxism? The following are the most common treatments people find helpful.
Using a Custom Mouthguard or Splint Nightly
Although using a mouthguard doesn’t address the root cause of bruxism, getting one is essential to prevent further damage to your teeth. Custom-made mouthguards provide a protective barrier between your teeth, preventing further damage caused by grinding.
Some patients may also benefit from an occlusal splint, which is a device similar to a mouthguard that holds the teeth in a certain position to reduce incidences of bruxism [1]. Your dentist can help you decide if a splint or mouthguard is right for you.
Manage Your Stress
Since bruxism has been linked to stress, managing and reducing your stress may help prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Seeking stress reduction methods, such as counseling, relaxation techniques, or exercise, may help reduce bruxism and help you avoid damage to your teeth.
Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Approximately 50% of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have sleep bruxism [2]. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can result in serious health issues, including an increased risk for stroke, diabetes, and even dementia.
Treating OSA is essential for your health, but it may just help protect your smile, too. By managing your sleep apnea, you may also reduce your risk for bruxism, which can prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
Consider Biofeedback
Awareness of your grinding habits during the day can help you consciously avoid clenching your teeth if you are a daytime teeth grinder, and biofeedback can help with this.
Biofeedback uses electronic instruments to help you know when you're grinding your teeth so you can stop doing it [3]. Based on this information, you can adjust your posture, regulate your emotions, and become more conscious of teeth grinding to reduce damage to your smile.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Research shows a link between caffeine intake and the risk of sleep bruxism [4]. If you drink caffeine regularly and grind your teeth, it may be worth reducing your caffeine intake to help prevent bruxism. This strategy may be most effective when combined with other techniques, such as stress reduction and biofeedback, for a more comprehensive treatment option.
Ask Your Dentist If You Grind Your Teeth
If you’re not sure if you grind your teeth, ask your dentist. Your dentist can see signs of teeth grinding during your regular exam. Since bruxism can cause major damage to your smile, it’s essential not to ignore it. Your dentist can help you explore treatment options to protect your teeth and reduce bruxism!
Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15895838/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10205497/
