5 Ways to Prevent Teeth Grinding from Destroying Your Smile

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause long-term problems. Unfortunately, many people grind their teeth in their sleep without knowing it. An American Dental Association survey found over 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding in their patients.

At Greenwich Dentistry in Greenwich, Connecticut, our expert team prioritizes oral health, and that commitment includes checking our patients for signs of bruxism. If you’re a teeth grinder, we can help you break this damaging habit. 

5 ways to stop grinding your teeth 

Teeth grinding can damage your teeth enamel, cause jaw pain, or even crack a tooth. Some patients also develop headaches and neck pain.

Here’s how you can protect your teeth and health: 

1. Wear a custom night guard 

Using a well-fitting mouthguard while you sleep is a terrific way to protect your teeth from nighttime teeth grinding. A customized night guard protects your upper and lower teeth. 

2. Manage your stress 

Stress can trigger teeth grinding. Learning to manage stress has many benefits, including loosening a clenched jaw. 

Meditation and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress. Keeping a regular exercise schedule can too. Now that the weather is warming up here in Connecticut, it’s an ideal time to get outside and take walks or work in the yard to get out of your head and into your body. 

3. Get good sleep 

Tossing and turning at night can contribute to bruxism because you’re not relaxed. People with sleep apnea may also be teeth grinders. 

Improving your sleep quality starts with setting healthy habits. Take screen breaks an hour before bedtime and know your caffeine triggers. Many people should avoid caffeine past 1 p.m. Drinking alcohol can also impact your sleep. 

4. Check your jaw alignment 

Misaligned teeth and jaws can contribute to teeth grinding and dental damage. Our team examines your bite and may recommend Invisalign® to improve your dental alignment. 

5. Break the daytime habit 

If you grind your teeth when you’re awake, you want to break that habit. Try stretching or massaging your jaw. Another trick is to set reminders on your phone to stop clenching your jaw. When the alarm goes off, take a deep breath and stretch your jaw. 

Protect your smile 

Even if you’ve been a teeth grinder for years, we can create a plan to help you break this bad habit. Call our Cos Cob office today and let us help you save your smile.