Bruxism or grinding of teeth can happen when you sleep or when you are awake. However, nocturnal bruxism, or teeth grinding in sleep, occurs far more often.
You can schedule an appointment with a dentist at Lovett Dental Sharpstown in Texas to diagnose and treat your bruxism, which impairs your oral health.
Why Teeth Grinding Is Harmful
Chronic grinding of teeth can fracture and loosen your molars and other teeth. If you grind your teeth down too far, you may need crowns, bridges, implants, or partial dentures to restore functionality and allow you to eat comfortably. Further, severe bruxism can result in tooth loss, worsen TMJ, and worn teeth may change your face shape.
How Do I Stop Teeth Grinding in My Sleep?
When you make an appointment with one of our general or specialty dentists, they can fit you with a mouth guard, which protects the surface of your teeth from wear. Stress counseling can help you identify the causes of stress-induced nocturnal bruxism. Moreover, your doctor may recommend an exercise program or prescribe a muscle relaxer to alleviate the causes of teeth grinding.
Improve Sleep Hygiene to Prevent Teeth Grinding
When you improve sleep hygiene, you adopt changes that allow you to get the sleep you need without grinding your teeth. Work with your doctor or Lovett Dental Sharpstown dentist to determine foods and beverages to avoid before going to sleep and follow the tips below to improve your sleep hygiene:
- Keep to a specific sleep schedule – Following a regular pattern for sleep can improve your health in many ways. Regarding teeth grinding, ensure that you get seven to nine hours of sleep per day and go to bed, and wake up at around the same time. This can help your body establish proper sleep habits and avoid sleeping disorders that cause the grinding of teeth.
- Pre-sleep routine – What is your bedtime routine? Developing a predictable bedtime routine can help you mentally prepare for sleep. For example, you can try putting on your pajamas, brushing your teeth, and meditating to relax before you go to sleep.
- Get out of bed quickly – Spending too much time in bed after you wake up weakens the connection between your bed and sleep. Psychologically, it’s important to prepare your mind to relax and get ready to sleep. Therefore, eating, watching TV, and working in your bed can confuse your mind and make it more difficult to go to sleep.
- Move around – Exercise during the day for at least twenty minutes about four hours before bedtime. Changing up a sedentary lifestyle can improve your sleep preparedness, alleviate the stress that causes bruxism, and elevate your overall health.
- Improve your sleep space – Make your sleep space a haven. Invest in a comfortable bed that doesn’t leave you tossing and turning. Additionally, minimize intrusive sound and light so that you can sleep uninterrupted.
Teeth Grinding Headache Symptoms
Bruxism can result in a teeth grinding headache or aggravate migraines, both of which can be extremely painful. Symptoms of a headache as a result of teeth grinding include:
- Aching jaw in the morning
- Painful chewing
- Enamel decay
- Pain in the temples, lower jaw, or cheeks
- Sleep apnea or snoring
Receive Teeth Grinding Dental Treatment at Lovett Dental Sharpstown
At Lovett Dental Sharpstown, our general dentistry services include exams and treatment options for teeth grinding. If you want to improve the appearance and functionality of teeth damaged by bruxism, our cosmetic dental services include veneers, crowns, bridges, and dentures. To prevent the grinding of teeth day or night, consider setting up an appointment for a consultation. Contact us at 281-975-5560 today for more information on preventive measures for teeth grinding in your sleep!