BRUXISM Solution

Instead of sleeping peacefully, you are grinding and gritting your poor teeth together, sometimes all night long. You wake up a sore jaw and very sensitive teeth.

Bruxism is thought to be a reaction to stress or anger. It can result in loosening of the teeth and recession of the gums, headaches and sometimes TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome).

• An athlete’s mouth guard can be purchased in a sporting goods store and placed in the mouth for a few nights to break the habit.
• Eat something like an apple or carrot just before bedtime to tire the jaw muscles.
• Additional calcium such as 8 ounces of milk, taken before bedtime, has been shown to aid in the relaxation of the jaw muscles and can be effective in just a few days.
• If possible, reduce stress and make bedtime more relaxing.
• Avoid evening caffeine and refined carbohydrates.
• Avoid exciting television viewing or much activity prior to sleep.
• Relax with a warm bath just before bedtime.