How To Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep

Sleep should be blissful, a time when both your body and mind can relax. So when one wakes up lethargic and grumpy, it just sets the wrong tone of the day. One reason your sleep might be disturbed is teeth grinding. Whether you’ve woken up with a sore jaw, a headache, or just a vague sense that something’s not right, teeth grinding or bruxism is a common issue that can seriously mess with your sleep and your health. The good news? It’s fixable. From custom-made mouthguards to natural remedies, we are here to explain the effectiveness of each option!

Why Do We Grind Our Teeth in Sleep?

Wondering why you grind your teeth? Stress. You read it right, stress and anxiety have been closely linked with bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding. Just as stress can cause muscle tension in the body, it can also lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Other reasons include dental issues such as misaligned teeth or health issues that cause pain and teeth grinding is just the body’s way of expressing discomfort. Additionally, some experts claim that excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee can intensify teeth grinding as these beverages are known to cause increased muscle and brain activity.

Bruxism generally goes undetected until symptoms such as jaw pain, migraines, or dental sensitivity appear. But if you wake up with stiffness and pain in the jaw, it's time to start looking up treatments.

How to Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep

So, how do you manage teeth grinding? It's always better to find precautions than cures, so before your enamel gets too damaged, here are some tried-and-tested ways to stop grinding teeth in sleep.

1. Get Yourself a Custom-Made Night Guard

A custom-fitted night guard is like a protective shield for your teeth. It cushions the impact of grinding, saving your enamel from destruction. If visiting a dentist for a custom night guard isn’t in your budget, brands like Smilepath offer high-quality, affordable custom-made mouthguards that you can order online from the comfort of your home.

2. Stress Less, Sleep More

Stress is a major culprit behind bruxism, so unwinding before bed is key. Following a slow evening routine with music and tea might be the key to more relaxed sleep. Try deep breathing, meditation, or even just some slow, soft, calming music can do the trick. Also, a glass of chamomile tea can trick your brain into relaxing. You can explore other herbal tea options to see what works best for you.

3. Skip the Late-Night Caffeine and Alcohol

A glass of wine or that evening coffee could be the cause of your teeth being in a wrestling bout every night. According to a study, drinking coffee regularly increases the likelihood of developing severe sleep bruxism. Hence cutting back could have a significant impact.

4. Train Your Jaw to Chill

If you catch yourself clenching your jaw during the day, take a second to relax. A quick massage or a few jaw stretches can help reset your muscles and stop them from turning into tiny jackhammers at night.

How to Stop Grinding Teeth in Sleep Naturally

If you prefer a natural approach, good news, there are plenty of remedies to try. Here are some holistic ways to keep your teeth from grinding:

• Magnesium-rich foods – Magnesium helps relax muscles, including the ones in your jaw. Try adding bananas, almonds, or spinach to your diet.
• Essential oils – Lavender and chamomile oils are known for their calming effects. Dab a little on your pillow or use a diffuser before bed.
• Acupuncture – Some people swear by it for stress relief and muscle relaxation, which could help reduce grinding.
• Jaw exercises – Gentle stretches and massages can train your jaw to stay loose and relaxed.

Possible Reasons for Teeth Grinding in Children

If you’ve noticed your little one grinding their teeth in sleep, don’t panic. It’s pretty common in children and often goes away on its own as they grow. However, if they’re waking up with jaw pain or headaches, it’s worth checking with a dentist. One of the most obvious signs of grinding in children is the audible sound of grinding. Here are some of the common reasons they may be grinding their teeth:

• Misaligned Teeth: Misaligned teeth or poor bites (malocclusion) can lead to bruxism, as the jaws try to find a balanced position, causing grinding.
• Teething Pain: Teething discomfort or jaw growth can trigger teeth grinding in children as their bodies instinctively respond to the pain.
• Hyperactivity or Behavioral Issues: Hyperactive children or those with ADHD and similar behavioral disorders are more prone to bruxism, as they may struggle to relax during sleep or waking hours.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Bruxism in children can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where restricted airflow during sleep leads to jaw clenching.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as low magnesium levels, can affect muscle movement and contribute to teeth grinding.

Introducing Smilepath Mouth Guards

The Smilepath night guard is designed to protect your teeth while sleeping. Crafted for comfort and effectiveness, it’s a top choice for those who suffer from bruxism or other sleep-related dental issues. Our custom-fit mouth guards are made with high-quality materials to ensure maximum comfort and protection. They are suitable for both children and adults.

Why Choose Smilepath Night Guards?

Customization: Our night guards are made just for you, fitting perfectly to give you the best comfort and results. No one-size-fits-all solutions here, we take the time to ensure your guard feels like it was made just for you.

High-Quality Material: Smilepath night guards are built with top-notch, BPA-free materials, making them strong, safe, and durable.

Affordable: Great comfort doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Our night guards are high-quality but still easy on your wallet. After all, a good night’s sleep shouldn’t come with a side of financial stress.

How to Get a Custom Night Guard?

It’s easy to get your custom night guard with Smilepath. Here’s how:

• Order a custom night guard from the Smilepath website.
• Receive an at-home impression kit at your doorstep.
• Create impressions of your teeth following simple guidelines.
• Send back your impressions to us using the prepaid label.
• Our experts will use your impressions to create a custom night guard for you.
• Receive your night guard at home and start wearing it to fight nighttime grinding.
• You will also receive a storage case with your night guard, so you can keep it safe when not in use.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Give Your Teeth a Break

If you grind your teeth, know that you don't have to suffer forever. Teeth grinding is treatable with a few simple techniques. It is important to be mindful of your mental health and keep a check on your stress levels. Using a night guard helps you protect your teeth from grinding, and can assist you in finding peaceful sleep. Smilepath Night Guard is an ideal choice for anyone who wants custom night guards for themselves or their child and to get them delivered straight to their home.

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