When teeth grinding occurs regularly, teeth can become damaged and other oral health issues begin to arise.  Often times, people grind their teeth due to stress and anxiety but it occurs most often during sleep. It is more likely caused by an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth.

Since teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they it is even happening. Besides having a loved one wake you up in the middle of the night, a dull headache or sore jaw when you wake up are pretty good indicators that you’ve been grinding your teeth. In more intense cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing or loosening of teeth. In fact, teeth may be worn down into stumps! Eventually bridges, crowns, root canals, implants and partial dentures may be needed. Severe teeth grinding can lead to tooth loss and can affect your jaw or alter the appearance of your face.

At Lindner Dental, we can fit you with a mouth guard to help protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. See some other tips below to relieve you of teeth grinding:

• Cut back on caffeinated food and drinks
• Avoid alcohol
• Do not chew on pencils or pens (or anything that is not food)
• Avoid chewing gum since it allows your jaw muscles to get used to clenching
• Train yourself not to grind your teeth. Position the tip of your tongue between the teeth to train your jaw muscles to relax
• Hold a warm washcloth against your cheek, in front of your earlobe before bed. This will help to relax your jaw

Contact Lindner Dental today at 603-944-9196 for help with teeth grinding!