Did you know that meditation is beneficial not only for your mental health but also for your physical health? This includes preventing teeth grinding. If you’re a teeth grinder who tends to do it during the day or unknowingly while sleeping, then this article is for you.
Teeth Grinding and Its Causes
Bruxism or teeth grinding is a common problem that can result in tooth pain and even tooth decay. You might not know that you’ve been teeth grinding as this often occurs when you’re sleeping. However, you’ll experience symptoms like a sore jaw, constant headache, loose or painful teeth, and cracked or fractured teeth.
Teeth grinding can be caused by alcohol consumption, Parkinson’s disease, and medications. However, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute, teeth grinding and clenching are usually linked to stress. Identifying the root cause of teeth grinding won’t only help stop bruxism but also manage jaw pain, ear discomfort, and TMJ.
How Does Meditation Help Prevent Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding is often caused by stress, and meditation is known to help manage stress.A 2010 study published in Psychiatry Research showed that eight weeks of mindfulness meditation can help change the brain structure. Regions that govern memory and learning saw an increase in brain cell volume. Then, brain cell volume in areas involved in regulating stress, fear, and anxiety was reduced. Results were in line with the participants’ reports on reduced stress levels.
Moreover, meditation is considered a simple and fast way to relieve stress. Bring your focus to a single subject or object. For instance, focus on your breathing. To meditate effectively, you might want to do it after waking up and right before you go to sleep to address teeth grinding. Doing so helps you stay more focused and prepare your mind and body for a successful rest.
While some individuals meditate for 20 minutes or even longer, you can start with one to two minutes, and do it twice a day. Moreover, don’t be too conscious about sitting in a perfect position. Instead, get comfortable and keep your focus on your breathing. The next thing you know, you’ll have already improved with some constant practice.
Other Tips To Prevent Teeth Grinding
Aside from mindfulness meditation, there are other things you can do to help prevent teeth grinding. These include the following:
- Drink enough water while following a healthy balanced diet: Doing so will help flush out your system and reduce the chances of experiencing tooth grinding.
- Reduce caffeine intake: Research shows that nighttime teeth grinding may be linked to caffeine. Thus, avoid consuming caffeine a few hours before you sleep.
- Get a good night’s sleep: This will allow your brain to function well and help reduce the possibility of getting stressed throughout the day.
- Take a good warm bath before going to bed: This will not only help you get a good night’s sleep but will also let you transition into a mindful space, relax, and relieve your stress.
- Get a massage: This covers your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Moreover, the massage therapist or physical therapist may also spot some muscle problems that aggravate the chronic tension.
- Use a custom mouth guard: With a custom mouth guard, you won’t have to worry about damaging your teeth because of the protective layer between your lower and upper teeth. While you can choose a generic mouth guard found in local stores, you’ll want something that’s both high quality yet affordable, like Remi’s.
The Bottom Line
Teeth grinding is indeed a common problem that often results from stress. To help prevent teeth grinding, practice mindfulness meditation. Moreover, protect your teeth by wearing a reliable custom mouth guard.
At Remi, we offer top-quality custom mouth guards that give you maximum comfort and protection from teeth grinding. From custom mouth guards to mouth guard removal tools and teeth whitening kits, we have different items you may need to help protect your overall oral health. Visit our shop now for more options.
