If you're a teeth grinder, you know all too well how annoying and harmful it can be. Not only is it disruptive to your sleep, but it can also lead to serious dental problems, and a moody and uncomfortable disposition.
In order to soothe your nerves and protect those pearly whites, you need to understand how teeth grinding happens and how you can prevent it. Once you have that knowledge, you can put it into practice with one or more of the following tips. If these don't work for you, it is recommended that you consult with a specialist!
For now, though, let's try to stop those teeth from grinding.
10 Tips to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Tip #1 - Avoid Chewy Foods
One of the most common causes of teeth grinding is eating chewy or sticky foods. When these types of food particles get stuck in between your teeth, they can cause you to clench your jaw in order to try and dislodge them. This puts added pressure on your molars and leads to more frequent grinding episodes.
Hence, you should avoid eating these types of foods whenever possible. You can also reduce how much pressure your teeth are applying to each other while chewing by simply using a softer toothbrush and reducing how hard and how long you brush (for example, brushing for only two minutes instead of the usual three).
Tip #2 - A Custom-Made Mouth Guard
A custom-made teeth grinding mouth guard can be very helpful in preventing teeth grinding. This is a thin plastic device that fits over your top row of teeth and prevents them from coming into contact with each other.
It's crucial that you find a mouth guard that fits well - if it's too tight or loose, it won't do its job correctly. At Remi, we can create a custom-made mouth guard for you that will fit your teeth perfectly and help to stop the grinding.
Click here to order yours today and escape the grind!
Tip #3 - Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
Both caffeine and alcohol can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. So, if you're looking to prevent this habit from developing, it is recommended that you try to limit your consumption of substances such as caffeine, which is found in tea, coffee, and coke.
Some people find that completely abstaining from caffeine and alcohol helps them to stop teeth grinding, while others find that moderating their intake is all they need. Experiment a little and see what works best for you!
Tip #4 - Establish a Bedtime Routine
A healthy bedtime routine can help signal your body that it is time for sleep. It is also a great way to relax and clear your head before going to bed. Try taking a warm bath, reading a book, or even writing in a journal for about half an hour right before you turn in for the night.
If you can, try to avoid watching television or working on the computer in the hours leading up to bed. The blue light from these devices can disrupt your natural sleep patterns and make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
When you relax both your body and mind, you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. This will reduce the risk of teeth grinding occurring while you sleep, and help to keep your pearly whites in great shape!
Tip #5 - Get Plenty of Exercise
While exercise can be beneficial for many reasons, it is also a great way to prevent teeth grinding. If you feel stressed out at night, try taking a brisk walk or jogging around the block. In addition, yoga has been found to be particularly helpful in preventing teeth grinding.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins - these are the hormones that make you feel happy and relaxed. So, by working out regularly, you can help to reduce stress levels and make it less likely that you will grind your teeth at night.
At Remi, we believe that a healthy body is key to having a healthy smile. So be sure to add exercise into your daily routine and see how much better you feel - both physically and mentally!
Tip #6 - Try Acupuncture or Massage Therapy
If you are having a particularly rough time learning how to stop teeth grinding, acupuncture and massage therapy may help. Not only can these two modalities relax your body and mind, but they also stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body - especially in areas where tension is high.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture or massage therapy, be sure to do some research on the best services around. These treatments can be very beneficial in preventing and treating teeth grinding, so they are definitely worth considering!
Tip #7 - Use a Wet Toothbrush
When you feel the urge to grind your teeth, try using a wet toothbrush to distract yourself. The bristles against your teeth will create an uncomfortable sensation that may help you stop grinding.
This is a great technique to use when you are feeling stressed or anxious, as it can be done quickly and discreetly without anyone else knowing. Take the pain away and save your teeth with a wet toothbrush!
Tip #8 - Get Enough Sleep
If you're not getting enough sleep, it's no wonder that you are feeling stressed and anxious - both of which can lead to teeth grinding. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep per night in order to keep your body and mind relaxed.
If you find that you are consistently not getting enough sleep, it may be a sign that something else is going on, and you should seek out professional help. Teeth grinding can be symptomatic of other issues such as anxiety or stress, so don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if you think this may be the case.
Tip #9 - Take a Probiotic Supplement
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help regulate the digestive system. They have also been shown to improve mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety. So, if you are looking for another tip to stop grinding your teeth, consider taking a probiotic supplement.
There are many different types of probiotics available, so be sure to speak with your doctor to find the right one for you. Probiotics can be taken in pill form, or you can also get them through fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Tip #10 - See a Specialist
Last but not least, if none of the tips listed above work for you, it is crucial to see a specialist who can help address the root cause of your teeth grinding.
Don't let teeth grinding ruin your smile - get the help you need and get back to smiling!
Order Remi Today!
If you're looking for a quality, affordable dental hygiene solution, look no further than Remi! Our teeth grinding mouth guards are backed by science and have been shown to effectively prevent and treat teeth grinding.
Order your teeth grinding mouth guard today and see the results that Remi can bring for yourself!
