Maintaining oral health is not just about brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Sometimes, unconscious habits such as bruxism can also destroy the structure of teeth. Bruxism is a habit that involves grinding of the teeth. This often occurs during times of excessive anxiety, stress, anger, and other negative emotions. However, if a person does it continuously, it can certainly be damaging.
If you are experiencing this, or if you know someone else who is, read this article to give you tips on how to stop this negative habit.
Self-Awareness
Habitual teeth-grinding is commonly experienced at night, but it can also occur during daytime. If you are the person experiencing it, you should practice self-awareness by concentrating on what your body is doing. The moment you start to notice your jaw clenching, make an effort to relax it. You can do this by placing the tip of your tongue between the upper and lower part of your front teeth to fight the tooth-grinding urge. Self-preservation should prevent clamping down on your tongue. This will also force your jaws to relax.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.
Relaxation
Experts agree that stress is one of the risk factors of bruxism. If you are feeling stressed out, it is best to take up a relaxing hobby or come up with a healthy routine such as yoga classes or exercise. It will be helpful to learn how to meditate even for small periods at a time, especially when you have stressful moments throughout the day. It is important that you find seclusion to calm your mind and to be able to relieve the day’s stress.
Proper Equipment
There are times when a person suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding) cannot be self-aware because it occurs while sleeping. You can still protect yourself at night by having Dr. Lean fit you with a custom sleep guard. This is similar to a sports mouth guard. The only difference is wearing this at night to keep your teeth separated while you sleep. This will serve as a barrier that prevents your teeth from scraping across each other. This helps in preventing dental damage associated with bruxism.
Lifestyle Change
Teeth grinding might worsen after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or stress. More disturbed sleep means less rest and the more nocturnal activity you have, the more your teeth grinding would manifest. You should also stay away from chewing gum often. Chewing gum or pen lids might make your jaws used to clamping.
Dr. Lean and the team are dedicated to address conditions such as this. Contact us today if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if someone you love is.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.