Waking up with tooth pain is not fun. Nor is experiencing it at random moments. For teeth grinders, pain becomes obvious with time. If the condition goes untreated, it leads to teeth damage, headaches, and jaw issues. You should check out this dentist in ballwin to cure gingivitis or damage from teeth grinding.
An estimated 15% of children grind their teeth. However, dental and medical professionals note that the habit tends to fade away as they enter adulthood.
In adults, an estimated 10% grind their teeth unknowingly. Commonly, it happens while they sleep. Stress and life stage can also bring it on even though they didn’t exhibit it as children.
Individuals who wake up with tooth pain can take steps to relieve it.
We outline seven tips on how to relieve tooth pain from grinding teeth.
1. Cold and Hot Compress
When the pain is mild, alternating between a cold and hot compress provides relief.
Place on a cold compress over the area where you feel the discomfort for 20 seconds. Then, place heat on the area for another 20 seconds. Repeat the cold and hot compresses two more times. Then, repeat throughout the day as needed.
The cold numbs the area and the heat helps the blood flow.
Those who practice holistic medicine believe that the process allows the blood to heal the pain.
2. Try a Medical Device
Some individuals experience chronic grinding of their teeth while they sleep. As an immediate solution, try a medical device such as a mouth guard.
The device helps preserve teeth, reduce tooth pain, and lead to a good night’s rest.
The medical device absorbs the force as the wearer clenches down and grinds. The guard’s material allows each tooth to stay in good shape. The guard also prevents the force of the grinding motion from impacting the jaw. Thus, the mouthguard helps prevent headaches and pain in the jaw area too.
Check out this guide offered by JS Dental on everything you need to know about night guards.
3. Adopt a New Diet
Teeth grinders benefit from adopting a new diet to reduce tooth pain.
Until you find a long-term solution, switch to foods that require less force and tearing. Also, avoid crunchy foods including nuts, chips, and popcorn kernels.
Opt for teeth-friendly foods such as:
- Dairy products
- Salmon and tuna
- Cooked vegetables
- Fruit smoothies
- Lean proteins
These foods require minimal chewing and tearing. Therefore, they give your teeth a break.
4. Remain Hydrated
Since grinding wears out the teeth, each tooth becomes prone to cavities. Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and saliva that hangs around the teeth.
Also, remember to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash prevents plaque and build-up on the teeth.
5. Reduce Stress
If grinding your teeth is new, figure out if stress entered your life recently. In addition, researchers believe that sleep bruxism increases in pre-menopausal women.
Therefore, a person’s life stage plays a role too.
Nonetheless, participate in activities that reduce stress such as walking in parks, strolling on the beach, or hiking in the mountains.
By reducing stress, you reduce the grinding. In turn, it should relieve tooth pain.
6. Exercise Your Mouth and Body
Physical therapists have found that a limited range of motion and pain go hand in hand. The brain anticipates pain. If a person believes that they will feel discomfort when they reach or extend a limb, they avoid spanning at 100%.
Instead, they go into the motion at 80%. Over time, it reduces the muscles’ ability to expand.
The logic can apply to tooth pain caused by teeth grinding too.
Mouth exercises include opening the mouth and jaw at 100%. If you cannot open 100%, open to the point where you feel discomfort and hold it. By reaching a 100% range of motion, you can retrain your brain and reduce the discomfort.
7. VIsit Your Dentist
Your dentist is your partner in helping to relieve ongoing tooth pain from teeth grinding.
Untreated teeth grinding can lead to more dire consequences. An estimated 8% of adults suffer from bruxism. Therefore, if you notice that your bite is off, have ongoing discomfort in their teeth or jaw, make an appointment.
Your condition might have an easy fix.
Conclusion
Catching pain caused by teeth grinding early prevents the damage from progressing. Pain experienced in the teeth and jaw can lead to serious ramifications. Plus, it’s uncomfortable. If the condition is chronic, solutions exist, including using a mouthguard at night.
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