Gum disease is a common dental issue, but can be largely prevented through vigilant brushing, flossing, and making those all-important dental visits. Read on to learn more about the early stages of gum disease.
Do you grind your teeth at night? Many people grind their teeth while they sleep but are not aware of their harmful habit. Grinding your teeth can lead to a variety of negative side effects and can cause you to need cosmetic dentistry in the future, including:
If you’re not sure whether or not you grind your teeth at night, consult your dentist for general dentistry services. They can examine your teeth for signs of teeth grinding. They can also give you tips for preventing teeth grinding and fix any problems associated with the habit.
Learn more about teeth grinding prevention and make an appointment with your dentist at Signature Smiles today.
If you grind your teeth at night, this habit can be frustrating. Since it’s something you do while asleep, you might feel like you have no control over it. Some people do grind their teeth during the day and can catch themselves in the act. If this applies to you, try to use those opportunities to retrain your mind. When you find that you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, practice mindfulness and relax your jaw. By consciously doing this over and over, you can slowly begin to retrain yourself to not grind your teeth.
However, if you don’t grind your teeth during the day but suspect that you might at night, ask your dentist. They will look for certain signs of wear that would indicate that you grind your teeth. One way your dentist can help you prevent teeth grinding is by fitting you with a nightguard. This is a type of mouthguard that cushions the teeth and keeps them from grinding against each other as you sleep. While you can buy a night guard in a pharmacy, a custom-made nightguard might be more effective depending on the severity of your teeth grinding. Talk to your dentist to learn more about the process of making a custom night guard and whether this option could be right for you.
While a custom mouthguard is one option for preventing teeth grinding, there are several strategies you can try at home as well or you can seek restorative dentistry help
Grinding your teeth could be linked to stress. Whether you are experiencing stress at home, at work, or at school, there are a number of stress reduction strategies you can try. Yoga and meditation can be healthy outlets for stress while promoting mindfulness. Talking to a therapist or counselor can also help you understand the underlying causes of your stress. They can help you find healthy coping skills and strategies. Finally, exercise has also been proven to relieve stress.
Caffeine can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, and alcohol consumption can make you more likely to clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night. Avoiding these substances can help you sleep better and relax your jaw.
Certain exercises can help you relax your jaw. For example, try opening your mouth as wide as possible while touching your tongue to your front teeth. This while help you unclench your jaw and relax your face. Do this several times a day or whenever you find that you are clenching your jaw.
If you are grinding your teeth at night and it is causing problems with your oral health, reach out to Signature Smiles today. Our team can help fit you with a custom night guard, help you with exercises to reduce and prevent teeth grinding, and fix any problems associated with the habit. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or headaches, tooth grinding could be the cause. Contact Signature Smiles at 720.513.8405 to make an appointment and to learn more about how we can help prevent teeth grinding in Colorado.
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