Practice stress-reducing techniques to eliminate bruxism.

Bruxism is a condition in which individuals unconsciously grind or clench their teeth throughout the day or during sleep, and though there are many potential causes behind the ailment, stress is easily one of the most prominent.

That being said, should stress be the reason you grind your teeth, you put yourself at risk of a wide range of dental health issues—increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and bite issues being just a handful. 

Thankfully, there are strategies you can make use of to not only reduce your stress but put a stop to your bruxism as well. These include the following:

1. Traditional Stress Relief Techniques

Finding ways to manage and reduce stress in your daily life can make a big difference in both your mood and teeth-clenching concerns. You might consider such tried-and-true practices as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, and given that there are many variations of each, there’s a good chance that you can find one that’s just for you. 

In general, any practices that you know will help you relax can fall under the stress relief umbrella, and they can be particularly helpful when practiced right before bed, as sleep is typically the period of most concern when dealing with bruxism.

2. Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices are another method that can work toward relieving stress. They involve immersing yourself in the present moment and focusing on the here and now through means such as guided meditations.

These techniques are generally informal and easy to incorporate, even into a busy schedule. You can build effective mindfulness rituals throughout your day to help mitigate stress before it can lead to health issues such as bruxism.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Of course, there are many cases in which stress relief isn’t as simple as taking deep breaths and being aware of the present. You could face various mental health concerns that contribute to or cause stress outright, and that may require professional treatment to confront adequately. 

Scheduling a consultation with a professional to discuss your stress and potential treatment options, like cognitive behavioral therapy—a practical form of psychotherapy that seeks to address the underlying stressors in your life—can be an excellent step forward that goes on to provide a wide range of benefits. You’ll be able to take greater control over your mental health and potentially identify and resolve issues that you may not have even known were seriously affecting your life.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Your lifestyle can be another major factor behind your continued stress. Of course, the things you do each day have a massive impact on every aspect of your being, but with that being said, even the smallest changes can help alleviate some of the stress that’s causing your bruxism: Regular exercise, for instance, helps many people manage their stress, and it can take a form that is as simple as walking each day.

The quality of your sleep is also an important area to look at; you should make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, ideally sticking to a routine where you go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.

You might also be suffering due to poor nutrition. Getting proper vitamins and minerals while avoiding foods that aren’t good for you can help boost every aspect of your health and mood.

5. Nightguards

Tackling your stress in the above ways is an effective means of mitigating the effects of bruxism in the long term, but you don’t want to continue wearing away dental enamel and damaging your teeth by grinding and clenching now (and as you start the process). 

To that end, consider a nightguard, a custom, oral appliance that’s worn during sleep. Similar to a sports mouth guard, it provides a cushioned layer between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding or clenching against each other. It can also help relieve jaw pain by holding the jaw in its proper position as you sleep.

6. Talking With a Dentist in Omaha, NE

If you’re facing symptoms of bruxism, such as tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or visible decay, the only way to know what’s wrong for sure is to visit your dentist. Bruxism may very well be a factor, but there could be other issues at hand as well.

A dentist can evaluate your teeth, jaw, symptoms, and lifestyle to determine what’s causing your oral health issues. They may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth or other treatments to address dental issues related to bruxism, and if stress seems to be a major factor, they may recommend you to another professional.

Find relief from bruxism to safeguard your smile.

If you’re dealing with tooth pain, an aching jaw, frequent headaches, or other symptoms often correlated with bruxism, visit a trusted dentist in West Omaha, Nebraska, to find out whether bruxism is truly behind them all. At The Tooth Doc, we can evaluate your needs and find a custom treatment plan to provide relief and protection. Book your appointment today.