Tips to Prevent Teeth Grinding When You Sleep

Teeth grinding is an unconscious action that gradually wears away at your teeth. Though there is usually a slight amount of awareness when grinding the teeth during the daytime, those who grind their teeth while sleeping might not have any idea their oral health is being compromised. Pay close attention to the tips outlined below, and it will be that much easier to enjoy a restful sleep that does not compromise your pearly whites.

Tips to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping

Avoid caffeine

Caffeine certainly has its merits, yet there is a dark side to this stimulant. The American Sleep Association has confirmed the consumption of caffeine in the hours before bedtime is likely to cause teeth grinding at night. Reduce caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening hours, and it just might reduce or eliminate teeth grinding.

Meditate

Meditation is a form of deep concentration that can reduce teeth grinding while sleeping. Read up on meditation exercises, master breath control, and the body will benefit in a number of different ways. The most important benefit of mediation is improved relaxation, so try to meditate at least five to 10 minutes each day. Continue to increase the length of daily meditation sessions as time progresses, to decrease stress. Those who are able to peacefully meditate for a full 20 minutes each day will feel more peaceful and balanced. The result will be a dramatic reduction in teeth grinding at night.

Use a night guard

Use a night guard while sleeping, and grinding will no longer damage teeth. A night guard will protect teeth, as it absorbs the impact of the nighttime teeth grinding. The dentist can make a customized mouth guard to suit a patient’s unique mouth, though it is also possible to use a generic mouth guard available at a local store. However, patients who have tried both types find that the custom variety is vastly superior, as it is suited to the shape of their mouth.

Increase consumption of omega-3s

Teeth grinding is connected to sleep apnea. This is a condition that causes breathing interruptions while sleeping. Once breathing halts, the brain directs the jaw to open the airways. Such activity often leads to teeth grinding. If patients notice any symptoms of sleep apnea, they should meet with their doctor and dentist as soon as possible.

As an example, those who snore or cease breathing while sleeping will feel fatigued throughout the day, even after an entire night of sleep. It will help to incorporate an omega-3 supplement. Health organizations agree that the DHA in foods and supplements containing omega-3 boost sleep quality. Omega-3 also helps combat sleep apnea symptoms. The end result might be a reduction in teeth grinding while sleeping.

Contact us today

Let our dentist examine your teeth to determine if you are grinding them while sleeping. Plenty of patients are surprised to learn not only that they grind their teeth while sleeping but also that such grinding causes considerable damage. Give us a call today to schedule a comprehensive oral health exam and cleaning.