Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common oral condition that may lead to headaches and jaw pain.
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1.
Try Head and Neck Massages
Chronic teeth grindingand clenching can lead tojaw painand headaches.
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you could learn massage techniques to do at home.
Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to stop grinding and take a massage break.
Because teeth grinding is usually subconscious, daily reminders may help you recognize and stop the habit.
Over time, it wears down the surface of the teeth.
However, teeth clenching is when you hold the teeth together and tighten the jaw muscles.
Teeth clenchers do not experience the same complications as those who grind them.
Apply Heat
Try placing awarm compressunder your jaw or over an area of tension.
Heat eases pain by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow.
They will teach you how to relax your jaw muscles by usingelectromyographyfeedback.
However, more research is necessary.
Avoid Caffeine
People whoregularly consume caffeineface a higher risk of teeth grinding than those who dont.
Using alcohol or tobacco also increases the risk of bruxism.
If you grind your teeth when youre tired or sleeping, limit caffeine use to mornings only.
Avoid Chewy Foods
Chewy or crunchy foods can be irritating for people with bruxism.
That is because hard or chewy foods require your jaw to work harder.
If you have been grinding your teeth, consider avoiding the following types of foods:
6.
Mouth guards and splints protect the teeth from damage.
It can also provide pain relief.
Mouth guards are available over the counter (OTC) or custom-made from your dentist.
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help ease painassociated with teeth grinding.
you’re able to also massage your jaw, neck, and shoulders to release muscle tension.
Exercise your jaw by opening your mouth wide and pressing your tongue against your front teeth.
This movement relaxes the jaw and keeps you from clenching or grinding.
Over time, jaw exercises can retrain the muscles and prevent future grinding.
Consider Medications
People with severe bruxism may benefit from medications.
Consider asking a healthcare provider or dentist aboutBotox (botulinum toxin) injectionsfor chronic jaw pain and tightness.
This treatment may help relax the jaw muscles and relieve pain and stiffness.
It may also reduce teeth clenching and grinding.
One downside of this is the cost.
A Word From Verywell
Early detection and intervention are the best way to manage teeth grinding.
The damage to teeth enamel is permanent.
Jaw pain and headaches from heavy grinding can lead to added daytime stress and may increase nighttime bruxism.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if you are grinding your teeth.
See a dentist for an exam to learn if your teeth show any signs of grinding.
Discuss symptoms you may have, such as a tight or sore jaw, in the morning.
Many people grind their teeth in their sleep.
To stop grinding your teeth, see a dentist and ask about sleeping in a mouth guard or splint.
To relax your jaw muscles, try massage, warm compresses, jaw exercises, and drinking herbal tea.
Stress management techniques may also help.
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