How to Stop Grinding Teeth: Effective Prevention Strategies

Treatments for Sleep Bruxism

Not everyone with sleep bruxism needs treatment, but when there are frequent symptoms of morning headaches and jaw pain, unrefreshing sleep, or risk for long-term damage to teeth, a number of treatment options may be considered.

Treatment for sleep bruxism can involve multiple components to both manage pain and other symptoms and also reduce the severity of teeth grinding and its potential consequences.

While there are steps you can take at home to help with teeth grinding, it’s important to talk with your dentist or doctor who can recommend the optimal treatment in your specific situation.

Home Care Tips for Coping With Sleep Bruxism

Several home care tips can help prevent and address irritation Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source of the teeth, jaw, and neck from sleep bruxism:

• Avoid hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and many hard candies
• Be cautious with peanut butter and other sticky foods that are difficult to chew
• Don’t chew gum
• Adjust your sleeping position or pillow for additional head and neck support
• Use a hot compress or an ice pack to soothe pain

Mouth Exercises To Cope With Sleep Bruxism

Several mouth exercises can help reduce pain and improve range of motion in the jaw Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . A few minutes of these exercises several times per day may help relax and stretch the muscles involved in tooth grinding and clenching.

One exercise that has been shown to relax the muscles involved in teeth grinding follows these steps:

1. Close your lips gently while preventing your top and bottom teeth from touching
2. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth without it touching your teeth
3. Hold this position for as long as you can

Another exercise is designed to help with movement of the jaw:

1. Put your hands on your TMJ joints (where the lower jaw connects)
2. Slowly open your mouth
3. Hold your mouth open for 5-10 seconds
4. Slowly close your mouth
5. Perform 3 times per day, exercising for 10 minutes each time

To develop a specific exercise routine, talk with your doctor or dentist. A referral to a physical therapist can provide an opportunity to work hands-on to create a regimen of mouth exercises. This can ensure that you do the exercises properly to avoid injury and get the maximum level of muscle relaxation.

Massage

Some patients benefit from head-and-neck massages to relieve muscle tension and pain points related to teeth grinding. A massage therapist or physical therapist may provide massage or demonstrate techniques that can be used at home to relax the jaw and nearby muscles.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards, sometimes called night guards or dental splints, are worn during sleep to combat teeth grinding. These mouthpieces hold the jaw in a certain position and/or provide a barrier to minimize tooth damage from grinding. Some mouthguards also place the jaw in a slightly open position, allowing the masseter muscles (chewing muscles) to relax all night. While they don’t cure sleep bruxism, mouthguards can decrease the impact of bruxism, reduce the wear-and-tear of teeth, reduce morning headaches, and improve sleep quality.

Another type of mouthpiece is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which is best known for its use to reduce chronic snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. A MAD is held in place by the teeth and positions the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open and in some cases limiting the extent of teeth grinding. This is typically used when bruxism is present with sleep apnea.

Some mouthguards and MADs are available over-the-counter and can be adjusted to fit your mouth, but many patients get custom mouthpieces that are molded by a dentist Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source .

Stress Reduction

Stress is a common contributor to teeth grinding Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , so relaxation techniques are a natural approach to help. Employing relaxation methods can be a big part of sleep hygiene, and getting better sleep can empower a person to respond to stress in a healthier way.

Medications

In certain refractory and severe cases that persist despite conventional treatment, medications may be considered by a healthcare professional. Medications for bruxism may not be effective, and all have potential side effects. Several types of medications, including botox injections, may be considered when teeth grinding is severe. These medications work by trying to decrease activity in the facial muscles. Discuss the risks and benefits of bruxism treatment options with your healthcare provider prior to starting treatment.

Tips for Bed Partners of People Who Grind Their Teeth

Bed partners are often distracted by the noise of teeth grinding and have a hard time getting the sleep they need. Several steps may help avoid this disruption and sleep better:

• Encouraging their partner to see a doctor or a dentist for treatment
• Wearing ear plugs or headphones to block out the sounds of teeth grinding
• Use a fan or white noise machine to generate background sounds that make teeth grinding less noticeable

When Should You See a Doctor About Sleep Bruxism?

If you have pain in your mouth, jaw, or neck from grinding your teeth, you should talk with your doctor or dentist. Sleep bruxism can cause serious harm to your oral and sleep health, and a health professional can help prevent more serious problems down the road.

A doctor or dentist can also identify if your teeth grinding occurs alongside other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require further testing or treatment.