Teeth grinding is a pretty common habit that can result in serious consequences, such as jaw pain and damage to tooth enamel. If you clench down on your teeth on a regular basis, you should make an effort to quit this habit. Here is some helpful advice on how to put a stop to teeth grinding:

Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before Bed

If you tend to grind your teeth while you sleep, it is not a good idea to drink alcohol before bed. Alcoholic beverages can make it more difficult for you to stay asleep throughout the night, making you more likely to grind your teeth.

Take Charge of Your Stress

The more stress you have in your life, the more likely you are to grind your teeth. If you are anxious all the time, it is time to learn healthy ways to manage your stress levels. Start by getting rid of sources of stress in your life. For instance, if one of your friends causes you major anxiety, it may be time to cut ties with that person. You should also set aside some time each day to do something relaxing, such as practicing yoga or meditating.

Do not Chew on Non-Edible Items

If you constantly chew on non-edible items, such as pens or pencils, your jaw may get used to clenching. Do not chew on anything else except food.

Consider a Mouth Guard

It can be very challenging to stop grinding your teeth while you sleep, so a mouth guard may be necessary. This device can be custom made to fit comfortably in your mouth and will keep you from grinding down on your pearly whites. Ask a dentist, like one at Village Family Dental, for more information about mouth guards.

Put a Warm Washcloth on Your Jaw

Another effective way you can reduce teeth grinding is to place a warm washcloth on your jaw before you go to bed. If you hold this washcloth on your jaw for 10 to 15 minutes, it will relax your jaw muscles and prevent you from clenching down on your teeth.

Teeth grinding can do a lot of damage to your teeth, so you should quit this habit as soon as possible. If you follow these helpful tips, you can stop teeth grinding once and for all. If grinding has damaged some of  your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about the possibility of dental crowns or veneers.