Bruxism is characterized by grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. You might doing this unconsciously during the day or while sleeping. If you have a mild case, treatment is usually not necessary, but if you do it frequently and severely, you can prompt jaw problems, headaches and damaged teeth among other problems. A combination of stress management, dental treatments and behavior modification can help you overcome this condition.
Stress Reduction
Stress can trigger and worsen bruxism. Several strategies can manage stress. You might consider professional counseling or engaging in self-care techniques that fight stress. These include yoga, meditation, positive visualization, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, exercise, massage and other body work, and exercise.
Dental Treatments
Splints, usually made of hard acrylic, are placed over your upper or lower teeth. Your dentist might construct the splint right in the office or have a laboratory construct it. You can also get a mouth guard. They are available in stores but your dentist can make one custom-fitted for you. Both of these treatments help manage bruxism by interfering with clenching and grinding. Mouth guards are cheaper but can fall out during the night if you are grinding your teeth. Dental problems like misaligned or worn down teeth can contribute to bruxism. Crowns and overlays can reshape your teeth but are not guaranteed to correct the problem.
Behavior Therapy
You can alter your behavior by practicing correct mouth and jaw position. Focus on keeping your tongue upward with your teeth separated and lips closed. This prevents teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Biofeedback, a form of complementary medicine, helps you make connections between stress and your body's involuntary responses. As you become more aware of these connections, you can use your mind to help you control these physiological responses to stress, including bruxism. You need to visit with a practitioner experienced in biofeedback for initial treatment who can then show you perform it at home.
Medication
For the most part, medications are not effective for this condition. Your doctor might recommend a muscle relaxant before bed. If your bruxism is severe and has not responded to other treatments, Botox injection can help, but it can be painful and expensive.
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