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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThese self-care steps may prevent or help treat bruxism:
- Reduce stress. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help relax you and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism.
- Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. Don't drink coffee or tea after dinner, and avoid alcohol and smoking during the evening as they may worsen bruxism.
- Talk to your sleep partner. If you have a sleeping partner, ask him or her to be aware of any grinding or clicking sounds that you might make while sleeping. Your sleep partner can then let you know if he or she notices any teeth-grinding sounds in the night.
- Schedule regular dental exams. Dental exams are the best way to screen against bruxism, especially if you live alone or don't have a sleep partner who can observe bruxism at night. Your dentist can best spot signs of bruxism in your mouth and jaw with regular visits and examinations.
References
- Nowak AJ, et al. Oral habits and orofacial development. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
- What is bruxism? Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=292&aid=1137. Accessed Jan. 27, 2011.
- ADA Division of Communications. For the dental patient ... do you grind your teeth? Journal of the American Dental Association. 2005;136:559.
- Kato T. Sleep bruxism: A sleep-related movement disorder. Sleep Medicine Clinic. 2010;5:9.
- Lobbezoo F. Principles for the management of bruxism. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2008;35:509.
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