Whether you do it each day or just every once in a while, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can do considerable damage to your pearly whites. Clenching down on your teeth can eventually wear down the enamel and make them more sensitive. If you have this habit, you should try to quit before you do any more damage. Here are six effective ways to stop grinding your teeth:

Get Rid of Stress

Do you have a lot of anxiety in your life right now? If so, it could be one of the main reasons for your bruxism. If you learn to deal with your stress in healthier ways, you can stop grinding your teeth. For instance, do a relaxing activity whenever you feel stressed, such as meditation or yoga. You can also go for a brisk walk or take a warm bath.

Do not Drink Alcohol Before Bed

If you tend to grind your teeth while you sleep, you should avoid drinking alcohol before bed. When you have alcohol in your system, you may wake up more throughout the night, making you clench your teeth more.

Avoid Chewing Gum

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, it is not the best idea to chew gum. When you chew on gum, your jaw muscles can get into the habit of clenching, so you may be more likely to grind your teeth.

Get a Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is sometimes needed to stop teeth grinding at night. However, you shouldn't just get one at the drugstore because it likely won't fit comfortably in your mouth. If you spend a little extra money on a custom made mouth guard at a general dentist's office, it will feel much better.

Give Yourself a Massage

Another way you can prevent teeth grinding is with a jaw massage. If you gently massage your jaw muscles with your fingers, you can reduce tension. Try to massage your jaw for 10 minutes before you go to bed.

Apply a Warm Compress

Putting a warm compress against your jaw can also help relax the muscles, reducing teeth grinding. Take a damp wash cloth and apply it to your jaw for approximately 15 minutes. You can repeat twice a day.

Following these helpful tips can help you stop teeth grinding for good. The sooner you stop this harmful habit, the better off your pearly whites will be.

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