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asked 9 months ago
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The majority of teeth grinding occurs while asleep; this is known as bruxism. While most cases of bruxism aren't particularly dangerous, excessive grinding can lead to jaw ache, headaches and chipped or lost teeth. There are many potential causes of bruxism, including, stress, drug use and discrepancies between the shape and size of the top and bottom sets of teeth. In order to treat bruxism, it may be best to identify what's causing it and seek a solution that eliminates the root of the problem.
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Universal solutions
The most straightforward and foolproof way of dealing with grinding is to use a dental-guard. In order to obtain a dental-guard, sufferers should visit a dentist to see whether or not this is a necessary option. The best guards are made to measure from bite moulds, which perfectly replicate the shape of the patient's teeth. The plastic guard is usually worn at night, and in addition to protecting from the harm of grinding, it also allows the user to judge the frequency and severity of the gnashing. If the problem is down to a discrepancy between jaw muscles, a dental-guard can help to relax the muscles into position.
Another increasingly common treatment is botox. Botox works by relaxing the
patient's jaw enough to stop them from grinding, while still ensuring they have enough strength left to use their jaw in day to day life. The effects of botox last for three months, so it is a more expensive option than a dental-guard.
Reduce Stress
According to a recent report in the Telegraph, grinding is increasingly being caused by stress; especially following the economic downturn. If stress is an issue, then finding ways to reduce stress would be the best way to eliminate bruxism permanently. There are numerous counselling therapies that can reduce stress, but ultimately it may be enough to engage in more relaxing activities such as reading, walking or taking a nice long bath. Make sure to keep some free time, and perhaps try a little meditation or a breathing exercise before going to sleep.
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Teeth Filing
If the difference between the size and shape of the top and bottom teeth is the sole cause of grinding (occlusal discrepancy), then having the teeth filed may be the smartest and most effective way of solving the problem. It is thought that grinding may be the mind's way of subconsciously evening out the teeth, so having them filed should theoretically prevent this from happening in the future.
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Give Up Drugs
Another big cause of teeth grinding comes from using of drugs such as ectasy and speed. When taken, these drugs cause the jaw to clench and users will spend their time constantly grinding their teeth. In addition to buxism, drugs such as these can also cause brain damage and even death. With this in mind, the only way to deal with the problem is by giving up drugs all together. For more information on the dangers of drugs and ways to give them up, try speaking with experts on various help-lines.
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Generally bruxism is nothing to worry about if it's infrequent, but a simple trip to the dentist can tell you all you need to know about it, and whether or not it’s a problem that needs seeing to.
Universal solutions
The most straightforward and foolproof way of dealing with grinding is to use a dental-guard. In order to obtain a dental-guard, sufferers should visit a dentist to see whether or not this is a necessary option. The best guards are made to measure from bite moulds, which perfectly replicate the shape of the patient's teeth. The plastic guard is usually worn at night, and in addition to protecting from the harm of grinding, it also allows the user to judge the frequency and severity of the gnashing. If the problem is down to a discrepancy between jaw muscles, a dental-guard can help to relax the muscles into position.
Another increasingly common treatment is botox. Botox works by relaxing the
patient's jaw enough to stop them from grinding, while still ensuring they have enough strength left to use their jaw in day to day life. The effects of botox last for three months, so it is a more expensive option than a dental-guard.
Reduce Stress
According to a recent report in the Telegraph, grinding is increasingly being caused by stress; especially following the economic downturn. If stress is an issue, then finding ways to reduce stress would be the best way to eliminate bruxism permanently. There are numerous counselling therapies that can reduce stress, but ultimately it may be enough to engage in more relaxing activities such as reading, walking or taking a nice long bath. Make sure to keep some free time, and perhaps try a little meditation or a breathing exercise before going to sleep.
Teeth Filing
If the difference between the size and shape of the top and bottom teeth is the sole cause of grinding (occlusal discrepancy), then having the teeth filed may be the smartest and most effective way of solving the problem. It is thought that grinding may be the mind's way of subconsciously evening out the teeth, so having them filed should theoretically prevent this from happening in the future.
Give Up Drugs
Another big cause of teeth grinding comes from using of drugs such as ectasy and speed. When taken, these drugs cause the jaw to clench and users will spend their time constantly grinding their teeth. In addition to buxism, drugs such as these can also cause brain damage and even death. With this in mind, the only way to deal with the problem is by giving up drugs all together. For more information on the dangers of drugs and ways to give them up, try speaking with experts on various help-lines.
Generally bruxism is nothing to worry about if it's infrequent, but a simple trip to the dentist can tell you all you need to know about it, and whether or not it’s a problem that needs seeing to.
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Your dentist can make you a bite guard. This is a plastic mouthpiece that is molded to fit your teeth. This pads the teeth and lessens the damage done by grinding. It also helps to break the habit of grinding. It should be worn when sleeping. I wear mine as much as possible when I am not leaving the house. Grinding, as you may know, causes jaw problems as well as damage to the teeth. Good Luck.
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My husband uses a night guard from the dentist. If you don't have the money get a sports guard like athletics do. You melt it and then form it around your teeth.
3
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You could get this stuff from the drug store and put it on your teeth and when you attempt to grind your teeth you'll taste the nasty stuff,its like medicine
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Guest
answered 8 months ago
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