Bruxism - How to Stop Grinding Teeth and Clenching Jaw

Do You Clench Your Jaw and Grind Your Teeth?

Bruxism is a dental problem characterized by grinding the teeth and clenching of the jaw. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching often occur during sleep although some people clench their jaws during the day. Many people grind their teeth at night and are completely unaware but have side effects like headaches, an aching jaw, and even cracked and sensitive teeth. Bruxism can start in childhood and continue throughout a person's life.

If you don't learn to stop grinding teeth then you could end up in a financial bind. Insurance companies may refuse certain dental procedures like crowns if Bruxism is the cause.  Dental insurance should focus on fixing teeth instead of finding reasons not to pay. Why are our teeth viewed separately?  Dental health is imperative to overall health but we have a horrible dental health system.

Things You Will Need:

• Mouth guard
• Dentist or medical doctor
• Relaxation techniques

Step 1 - Do You Grind Your Teeth

Yes. You wake up with a tired, sore jaw, headache, and have sensitive teeth. Someone told you that you grind your teeth at night. Some people grind their teeth so loudly it can be heard across a room. Listening to someone clench their jaw and grind their teeth is worse than someone snoring. Signs of teeth grinding include cuts on the cheek and tongue from chewing at night, worn down areas on the teeth, sore jaw muscles and/or face pain, headaches, and ear pain.

The signs of your grinding can be helpful in your prevention. If you often wake up with marks inside your cheek on the left side it is likely you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while asleep. The solution may be changing the way you sleep (new pillow).

Step 2 - Ask a Dentist How to Stop Grinding Teeth

See a doctor or dentist to stop grinding teeth. Depending on your financial situation and insurance coverage it may be hard to see a dentist. You need your overall oral health checked. Look for lose or chipped teeth.  Bruxism damages stable teeth and can impair alignment of your teeth.  Sometimes misaligned teeth can cause people to clench or grind. Follow the dental treatment plan.

Tell a doctor if muscle tension is a problem. Massage the jaw muscles to relieve tension. Ask your doctor about trigger points.  Some people have an ongoing problem with muscle spasms and may need medication. 

Step 3 - Reduce Stress

Implement stress reduction activities into your life. Although teeth grinding is usually unconscious it is associated with stress, especially true of people who clench their jaws. Seek counseling or therapy if you have anxiety, depression, or trouble managing stress.  Counseling just might be the key to help you quit grinding your teeth when you sleep.   Stress relief and learning to cope with unresolved baggage helps the body heal and recover faster. 

Some people try medications such as muscle relaxers. Try herbal supplements, calming teas, aromatherapy, or a hot bath with candles. Experiment. Figure out what works for you.

Step 4 - Get a Mouth Guard (Molded by the Dentist if possible)

There are several types of mouth guards. If you can get your dentist to make one this is the best option because he or she can take a mold of your teeth. A guard that fits your upper teeth is best and will stop your back teeth from touching without making your mouth feel too overcrowded. Many people use sports mouth guards but these are usually too big and also hard to mold. The right mouth guard prevents you from grinding your teeth.

Step 5 - Avoid Stimulants

Stimulants include coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, food/drink containing caffeine, cigarettes, and harder chemicals like methamphetamine or cocaine. Prescription medications can also cause Bruxism and dry mouth. Pay attention to your body. Do you feel anxious after eating certain foods?  What about what you drink? It is hard to stop grinding your teeth because it is an unconscious act.  Self-care behavior should help, but if not then return to the dentist or doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

General health is very important. Eat a healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, get rest and use stress management tools in your life.

Step 6 - Keep a Journal

Documenting your experience in a journal helps identify patterns. When you catch yourself clenching your jaw during the day write it down. Write down the thought that started it and what you felt. Uncover the emotion that triggers daytime teeth grinding and clenching. Anger and anxiety are big causes.

Grinding can wear teeth down until they crack and break.  Once a tooth cracks it is a matter of time before it becomes a dental emergency.  If you are being treated for frequent headaches, migraines, or other ongoing pain conditions make sure to let the doctor know that grinding your teeth or clenching the jaw is an issue.

Check for medication interactions before starting a new prescription or using herbal supplements.