Dr. Honig wants to know: Are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind ... grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (also called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem, says Dr. Honig. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

Also, breathing exercises are a must. Daily physical activity, tai chi and yoga can all make a big difference in preventing teeth grinding.

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Then, Dr. Honig can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Hope this helps! Enjoy the rest of your week!