Feature Image by Lesly Juarez
The worst part about teeth grinding? That it’s often done unconsciously, making it a pretty hard habit to kick. While most mild cases don’t require any treatment, frequent and severe teeth grinding can often lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other problems (who wants that, right?).
We asked three dentists to share their top recommendations for dealing with teeth grinding. Check out what they said below.
Get a handle on stress
The best way to stop grinding your teeth for good? Keep your stress levels at bay. “Try and reduce your stress with physical activity and meditation,” suggests Dr. Patrick Anghel. Other forms of stress relief include hot baths, journaling, taking on a hobby, or eating a balanced diet.
Wear a night guard
Ah, night guards – the tried-and-true method that dentists recommend. While you can purchase a night guard at your local drugstore, Dr. Ali Saad recommends “getting a custom-fit night guard made specifically to treat your symptoms. This will help act as an anti-aging device since it will aid in preventing teeth wear and preserve your youthful smile.
Visit your dentist
“With all the bumps and grooves on teeth, especially the back ones, they are kind of like little puzzle pieces trying to figure out where they fit together, hence the grinding,” says Dr. Erin Issac. Dr. Issac recommends seeing a “dentist who may be able to place a sealant.” She also suggests, “in cases where the wear is severe, a crown, would be warranted.”
xx, The FabFitFun Team
