Are you grinding your teeth, especially while sleeping? Bruxism or teeth grinding is one of most damaging forms of dental disorders.
This condition is usually difficult to detect in the early stages as the patient is completely oblivious of this habit.
It leads to:
- Clenching and grinding of the teeth along with extreme jaw movements.
- Facial pain
- Pressure on the muscles, tissues and the areas around the jaw.
- Serious problems like jaw joint disorders, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth and many others.
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ).
This continuous form of grinding damages the teeth completely.
It is very common among:
- Children;
- People with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
However, it can happen to anyone.
Home Remedies for Bruxism
- You can eat an apple, cauliflower or carrot before going to bed. It will calm your overactive mouth and prevent grinding.
- Before bedtime, use a warm washcloth around the sides of your face to relax your jaw muscles. Continue doing this until you relax the clenched muscles that cause head pain.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it inadvertently affects your sleep and increases the movement of your jaw which causes clenching.
- Cut down on caffeine and carbohydrates like candy and pastries.
Stress and frustration are the main causes of bruxism. The following activities can help you avoid it:
- Massage your neck muscles, shoulders and face daily to relax;
- Practice stress relieving exercises each time you need it. Squeeze a tennis ball. It may come in handy to get rid of the stress.
- Sleep on your back every night;
Use contoured pillow every night if you can’t sleep on your back. Place it under your face and the ordinary pillow between your arms. Sleeping in this position reduces the strain on your jaw and neck and prevents you from rolling over onto your face.
- Take warm baths with salt 30 minutes once every two-three days;
- Try acupressure scheduled by a specialist. It may help you relax for a good night sleep, thus avoiding any incidents of teeth clenching or grinding.
Teeth grinding is also associated with calcium deficiency.
Magnesium helps with serotonin production, calcium absorption and it relaxes tight muscles.
Calcium, magnesium, and zinc are stapled supplements in your condition. Himalayan rock salt contains 84 minerals.
Incorporate calcium and mineral-rich foods in your meals such as sesame and chia seeds, almonds, tofu, fish, broccoli, ground savory, turnip greens, beans, milk, eggs, and yogurt, etc. Also, you can take supplements.
Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to them.
What other home remedies did you use and were effective? How much time did you suffer from bruxism and what solution was efficient in the end? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.