Whether you grind your teeth in your sleep or unconsciously or you have an abnormal bite, this habit can wear away your enamel – even worse it can cause a cracked tooth in a severe case. Some people may grind their teeth in a stressful situation. If you grind your teeth, I have a few suggestions:
- Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or taking a break if you are stressed. Focus on your mouth and relax your jaw. You’ll be surprised how tight your jaw can be when it is clenched!
- Avoid caffeine which can heighten muscle tension and alcohol which has been linked to excessive teeth grinding
- If you grind your teeth in your sleep you may need to ask your dentist to suggest a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Try to be aware of the tension that occurs in your jaw and relax the muscles. If you are having persistent jaw pain, you may have a disorder called TMJ. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, we are here to help! Call our Philadelphia dental office at: 215-627-3888
Dentist, Philadelphia