Clinically termed “bruxism”, teeth grinding is a condition that usually occurs during sleep. But for some people, teeth grinding is a physical reaction to constant stress and anxiety. In both cases, it’s best to visit your dentist for a checkup.
Are you grinding your teeth? Here are some tips to bring you comfort, especially while fasting during Ramadan.
What causes teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding usually occurs during sleep, and you may not even be aware of it. It’s mainly caused by an uneven bite or missing/crooked teeth. Check if you have a dull headache or a sore jaw after waking up – those are usually pretty clear signs of bruxism. On the other hand, excessive stress and anxiety can make you grind your teeth all day – forcing you to unclench your jaw out of pain or discomfort.
What are the effects of teeth grinding?
Severe and chronic teeth grinding can wear your teeth and jaw down – resulting in TMD/TMJ, excessive tooth chipping,or even tooth loss. Before reaching that point, schedule an appointment with your dentist so he or she can examine you. They’ll usually check for signs of jaw tenderness or teeth fracturing. Once done with their evaluation, they might fit you with a mouthguard that you’ll need to wear during sleep to protect your teeth for appropriate teeth care.
How to stop grinding your teeth?
There are many easy steps you can take to actively reduce that habit. This can be especially useful during Ramadan.
Teeth care measures for teeth grinding caused by stress:
- Actively train yourself to unclench your jaw several times a day.
Tip: place your tongue between your front teeth and your jaw will gradually learn to relax over time. - Do stress-relieving exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or working out.
- Avoid chewing on anything other than food (i.e., pencils and gum) to avoid triggering your jaw muscles any further.
- Hold a warm washcloth against your upper jaw at night to relax your face muscles.
For teeth grinding during sleep:
- Get a mouthguard fitted for you by your dentist.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks and foods when breaking fast. They can get you physically agitated and worsen your bruxism.
- And finally, invest in an invisible aligner treatment. If teeth grinding is caused by crooked teeth, BASMA alignerscan help alleviate that condition by getting your teeth back to their correct position for optimal teeth care.