Bruxism isn’t like cavities or gum disease; there’s no guaranteed hygiene routine to prevent it from occurring. That’s because bruxism, or constant teeth-grinding, can result from a number of issues that don’t always relate to your ongoing dental hygiene. For instance, if you experience excessive stress in your daily life, or if your teeth and/or bite are imbalanced, then you might develop bruxism in spite of excellent hygiene practices. Therefore, the best ways to prevent bruxism are to understand what might cause it, and with help from your dentist, take steps to reduce your risks in each of these areas.
Reduce stress.
Since stress is one of the most common contributors to bruxism, try reducing your prominent stressors by finding ways to relax as part of your daily routine. Take up a yoga class; start walking or jogging laps around the neighborhood; or meditate to routinely release built up stress and aggression.
Correct bite misalignment.
Besides stress, issues with bite alignment are also common factors behind excessive teeth-grinding. In addition to finding ways to relax, be sure to listen to your dentist’s suggestions for correcting bite misalignment issues, such as crooked teeth or a malformed jawbone. Doing so will allow your jaw and bite to operate smoothly, reducing your chances of spontaneously clenching your teeth together.
Seek your dentist’s help.
For many patients, the problem with bruxism is that it happens most often at night while they sleep. This can make detection difficult unless your sleeping partner complains about the noise of you grinding at night. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you can increase your chances of detecting and treating bruxism before it leaves lasting damage to your teeth and bite.
If you experience teeth-grinding or related symptoms, like chronic tooth sensitivity and headaches, then schedule a visit with your dentist for a professional diagnosis and treatment options. Call our office in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678. We proudly serve the residents of Syosset, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, and all surrounding New York City communities.
