Teeth grinding typically referred to as Bruxism is the act of consciously or unconsciously clenching your teeth during the day or while you sleep. Teeth grinding usually happens during sleep affecting your teeth and the structures around it, including the head.

People grind their teeth for many different reasons, but often it is because of stress.

What can you do to stop or reduce the effects of teeth grinding?

• The most effective and common remedy to stop or reduce the effects of teeth grinding is to use a mouth guard at night which helps to keep the teeth separated making it more difficult to grind and clench. The mouth guard protects your teeth from further damage or eventual loss of teeth.
  
  Your dentist can fit you with a plastic or acrylic appliance to be worn at night. The mouth guard may not completely stop you from grinding, but it will redistribute the pressure from grinding and protect your teeth, jaws and head from damage. Mouth guards from your dentist are costly and typically not covered by insurance. Fitted mouth guards can be purchased more affordably from the internet and may also be a viable solution, but you will still want to coordinate with your dentist to assure your mouth guard is working effectively. Some of the online merchants selling fitted mouth guards claim to be the merchants used by dentist to have the mouth guards made for you. 
• If stress is the likely cause of your teeth grinding, it makes sense to learn how to deal with your stress. There are many approaches to dealing with stress and the right approach is different for everyone. One common approach which is equally effective for all is exercise. Exercise helps to release various stresses in the body. Exercise is free - step outside and start walking.
  
  If you can afford it, establish a routine of getting full body massages including your jaws. Establish a routine before bedtime to help relieve stress before going to bed. What ever you do - learn to relax and enjoy life.  

Bottom line: Learn how to deal with your stress. 

• If you smoke - Quit! Smoking and excessive caffeine will contribute to teeth grinding. 
• During the day when you are awake find ways to remind yourself not to clench. Consciously, think about keeping your teeth apart until "not clenching" becomes a habit. Put a sticky note on your desk monitor reminding you not to clench.

If you're told you grind your teeth out night, don't ignore it. Consult your dentist and take care of it. Though, teeth grinding is not a major health issue it can eventually lead to problems with your teeth, jaw and head. Some people experience chronic migraines resulting from many years of teeth grinding. Prevent this from happening to you.

Source: http://www.wealthandwellness-solutions.com

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