Helpful Solutions to Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Do you need help managing the symptoms of bruxism? You’re not alone! It’s a common problem that many people face. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to help stop grinding teeth at night and avoid issues with headaches, tooth damage, and sleeplessness. Dr. Tripthi Shetty from Modern Dental Studio, East Brunswick, offers the following helpful solutions to nighttime bruxism.

About Bruxism

First, it’s important to understand what bruxism is and why it’s essential to deal with its symptoms. Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, often at night while you sleep. Grinding your teeth while you sleep can lead to dental and health issues ranging from tooth damage to chronic headaches, jaw pain, and loss of quality sleep. The good news is that you don’t have to simply live with bruxism. Here are a few ways to find relief.

Solutions to Grinding Teeth in Sleep

If you’re struggling with nighttime bruxism, our dentists recommend the following solutions:

Sleep test to find out the root cause for grinding after which we design the appliance depending on your sleep result.

Without the sleep test it’s difficult to give the right appliance and regular night guards are just bandaids to an underlying issue.

Consult with Dr Shetty if you grind your teeth or have TMJ issues 

• Custom appliances – Bruxism symptoms can be managed with a custom appliance designed for teeth grinding. Nightguards are removable plastic devices worn over your top or bottom teeth to keep them from grinding or clenching as you sleep. Nightguards can take pressure off jaw muscles and joints to reduce jaw pain and stiffness and protect your teeth from undue wear and tear. Your East Brunswick dentist can help customize a nightguard for your use. 
• Reduce your stress levels – As stress is a contributing factor to bruxism, reducing your stress levels can help manage this condition. Increased exercise, yoga, meditation, and healthy eating are just a few ways to reduce stress and minimize teeth grinding while you sleep.
• Reduce your caffeine intake – In moderation, caffeine can boost your energy levels, but in excess, it can cause chronic stress. We recommend cutting off caffeine at least 8 hours before bedtime to help you relax, as it can help minimize stress-related bruxism.

For more information about bruxism relief, contact the team at Modern Dental Studio, East Brunswick, at (732) 432-0123. 

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