How to stop grinding the teeth?

Bruxism or grinding of the teeth is usually a result of everyday stress and is very popular in adults after 30. It can ruin the enamel, cause the fractures of intact teeth, reduce the height of the teeth, giving it older look. Also constant grinding of the teeth can cause severe changes in TMJ, accompanied by clicking of the disk, pain and discomfort. What are the ways to improve this condition?

If you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, your first and most important step is to consult with a dentist. He will likely be able to tell if you are, in fact, grinding your teeth. So having regular dental checkups is crucial because many people grind their teeth at night and may not know it unless their dentist — or sleeping partner — tells them, or they show other signs like a sore jaw, tooth sensitivity, headaches, loose teeth, earaches, and ringing of the ears.

Next, your dentist will help you figure out the probable cause of your bruxism: Teeth grinding may be the result of a number of factors including, stress, diet, or misaligned teeth.

The dentist can then help you determine an appropriate treatment. Therapies may involve stress management, dental splints, mouth guards, or even more extensive dental procedures. Because bruxism is common in children and often outgrown, sometimes no treatment is recommended.

It is extremely important in order to protect the teeth and the joint to wear protective nightguard or mouthpiece. Splints are among the most common method of protecting and stabilizing the teeth against bruxism.