Are you one of the many people who has a problem with teeth grinding? As you well know by now, your condition happens when you are awake as well as when you are asleep. Not getting treatment can cause damage to your teeth. We will be looking at some of the treatments here. You may have to try several techniques until you find one or more that work for you.
Biofeedback is a form of treatment that helps people who grind their teeth. Mouth guards are the most commonly suggested treatment. With several options for biofeedback devices you have to pick the one that is best suited for your needs. The sensor sets off an alarm when you grind your teeth. You are retraining your body to wake up when you start to grind your teeth. While it may seem unusual to have an electronic device in your mouth, some people find this to be less invasive than a mouth guard. Are you willing to be woken up every time you grind your teeth? That is how biofeedback works.
Some people who suffer from teeth grinding find that they are greatly helped by relaxation techniques like tai chi, deep breathing exercises and yoga. Doing these at night can be especially helpful, but if you practice them regularly at any time of day, this can reduce the stress that may be causing your teeth grinding problem.
Sometimes the best teeth grinding treatment is to simply change your medication. Medications like antidepressants can stimulate the nervous system which will contribute to the grinding of teeth. For example, lots of kids who have ADD treated with Ritalin have been found to grind their teeth. These drugs are called stimulants and they cause the same kind of teeth grinding that is caused by harder stimulants like cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines. If you have been prescription drugs it is important that you consult a doctor before you quit taking them. However, if the medication you are on makes you grind your teeth you should let your doctor know so that he can help you find a healthy alternative.
Teeth grinding is a problem for quite a lot of people suffer from and that contribute to quite a lot of long term dental problems. It is often caused by stress, but it can also lead to even more stress. Once you make up your mind that you want to stop doing this, there are many techniques you can use, such as the ones we’ve covered above, to help you. Working on the problem is sufficient; do not get disappointed if you don’t cure yourself immediately.
Amy Logan writes on a variety of topics including ovarian cystectomy, dermoid cysts, women’s health, fitness and travel.