Many people grind their teeth at night and this condition, also called bruxism, is far more serious than most people realize. Left unresolved, this habit can cause severe damage to the teeth by wearing away enamel and pushing teeth deeper into the gum tissue. Another side effect of bruxism is that your teeth may crack or break, which will require significant dental work.

Treat the Underlying Cause of Bruxism

There are many reasons people subconsciously grind their teeth, but stress is the most common cause of the condition. As stress is allowed to build up, the body looks for ways to cope with it and grinding your teeth is a very common way of doing this. In fact, if you notice you often clench your teeth without realizing it, you probably also grind your teeth in your sleep. The best way to address the problem is by alleviating the stress.

Meditate Before Bed

Meditation is one of the best ways to alleviate stress in the body. While there are many different types of meditation, even a simple form can provide long-lasting stress-relief benefits. Simply sit in a relaxing position and try to clear your mind. You may find that the experience is more fulfilling, if you use scented candles and relaxing music.

Eliminate Stimulants from Your Diet

All dentists, including Karl Jobst DDS Grove OK, will warn their patients that stimulants tend to come in forms harmful to teeth. For instance, coffee stains the teeth and can cause decay over time. Soda damages teeth more quickly due to the high levels of sugar and acids. In either case, the caffeine causes you to remain alert at a time when your body is trying to relax. This will cause you to feel more anxious, resulting in teeth grinding.

Try Keeping a Journal

Keeping a journal will help you reduce stress in a couple of ways. First of all, it provides you with a confidential outlet for airing your feelings and thoughts. This can be especially helpful on more stressful days or after facing difficult challenges. Additionally, the act of writing has similar effects as meditation in that it lets your mind enter into a tranquil, trance-like state. As you write, your thoughts will clear and you’ll come away feeling more relaxed and focused.

Get More Exercise

Physical activity is good for the body, but it also benefits your emotional health. Increased physical activity causes the brain to release endorphins, also known as “feel good” neurotransmitters, leaving you in a euphoric state. Exercise can also provide an outlet for pent-up frustrations, so you’ll feel happier after a good workout. For the best results, try a variety of activities or engage in a sport of some kind. Setting goals or winning competitions can boost those good feelings and encourage you to continue with your workouts.

Spend More Time Socializing

Getting together with friends is a great way to relieve stress. Socializing and engaging in enjoyable activities with others helps reduce tension and anxiety. It also strengthens cognitive functioning, so the mind is helped in a number of ways. You may find that you feel more relaxed after spending the day with friends. Since you can’t be stressed and relaxed at the same time, you’ll be less likely to grind your teeth that evening.

There are many ways to relieve stress, so, if these suggestions don’t work for you, look for other ways. The important thing is to engage in relaxing activities, so you won’t feel tense at bedtime. In addition to reducing the likelihood of grinding your teeth, reducing stress may also help you sleep better overall.