Clenching jaw typically caused by bruxism. Bruxism is also called grinding and/or clenching of your teeth. It’s a very common condition that impacts approximately 30 million to 40 million children and adults in the U.S.
Symptoms of Clenching Jaw
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you might be experiencing jaw clenching:
- Balanced contractions of the jaw muscles
- A grinding sound during the night, jaw clenching at night
- Jaw muscles that are tight or painful
- Lasting pain in the face
- Swelling (periodically) on the side of your lower jaw caused by clenching
About a year earlier, I went to the dental practitioner for what I thought was a regular checkup. My dental practitioner took one take a look at my teeth and asked, “Are you stressed?” Obviously my teeth showed proof of bruxism. My dental practitioner described that bruxism, a condition usually triggered by stress, includes grinding your teeth, either in the evening or throughout the day, without realizing it.
Are you awakening with headaches, a sore jaw or neck pain? Then you may be unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth, as well. Bruxism is a relatively typical condition. Typically, it is moderate and might not even need treatment. Nevertheless, if your condition is severe enough, it might cause permanent damage to your teeth, such as using down the enamel, fracturing teeth or loosening previous dental work. So how can you give up clenching teeth and conserve your smile?
How to Stop Clenching Jaw
As my dental expert pointed out, increased stress and anxiety or stress is among a variety of causes of clenching teeth. To decrease your bruxism, find out how to manage your stress. If you’re going through an especially rough spot in your life, do not rule out expert counseling. For other stress reducers, attempt exercise or meditation. Even something as simple as a relaxing bath before bed may go a long way in lowering your bruxism.
Clenching your jaw can cause headaches, tooth damage, and other issues. The habit might occur during daytime or nighttime hours, however remedying it typically needs conscious re-training of the jaw and reduction of any hidden stress responsible for the problem. Home treatment works in the majority of cases, however professional treatment may be required in others.
1. Use a Mouth Guard or Splint
Mouth guards and splints are used in the evening while sleeping. They won’t eliminate your jaw clenching, however they will secure your teeth and help rearrange the force of teeth clenching or grinding. They are offered over-the-counter or you can have one customized by your dental professional. Typically, personalized guards are higher quality and work better than non-prescription choices, but can be much more expensive. Ask your dental expert for an expert suggestion.
2. Correct Misaligned Teeth
If your bruxism seems caused by a problem with teeth alignment, correcting your misalignment may assist. Your dental practitioner might fit your teeth with orthodontics or braces to remedy your bite and alignment. When bruxism has used down your tooth so much that you have problems chewing, your dental professional may suggest a reconstructive treatment such as crowns or overlays.
3. Prevent Caffeine and Alcohol
Avoid caffeine and other stimulating compounds at night. Coffee, tea, soda and chocolate ought to be off limitations after dinner. These stimulants affect the quality of your sleep, making you most likely to clench your teeth during sleeping. And we strictly recommend to quit alcohol.
4. Muscle Relaxant
If your bruxism is especially severe, your dental practitioner might advise that you take a muscle relaxant, prior to sleeping. A muscle relaxant will assist keep your jaw from clenching throughout the night. These types of drugs can be practice forming, so they need to be used with care.
5. Acupuncture for Clenching Jaw
Some home remedy specialists tell that acupuncture can relax bruxism. Although acupuncture has not been clinically proved to stop jaw clenching, many individuals have actually reported that regular treatments have actually minimized their bruxism.