Escape the Daily Grind ~ Tips For Bruxism Relief
Are you a teeth grinder or a jaw clencher? Did you know that teeth grinding, called bruxism, may lead to serious dental issues? Bruxism is estimated to affect up to 30% of adults and even greater numbers of children. This unconscious habit usually happens at night while you are asleep. Although the cause is varied in different individuals, it is commonly considered to be stress related.
Your subconscious mind attempts to release the tension from daily stress while you sleep and moves the teeth around in an attempt to smooth irregularities. This jaw clenching and teeth grinding puts a lot of pressure on the structures of the mouth, affecting the teeth and gums, as well as the supporting bone and jaw joint (Tempro-Mandibular Joint or TMJ).
In addition to annoying others with the noise, the teeth grinder can crack or chip healthy teeth, destroy tooth enamel, damage fillings, loosen crowns, and cause significant jaw pain and headaches. If you or your child are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, discuss possible underlying health conditions and solutions with your dentist.
My personal experience with the chronic pain of bruxism and TMJ disorder took me through many years of ibuprofen, biofeedback, braces and physical therapy. I found the following simple techniques help keep my jaw relaxed and my body free of TMJ pain.
Here are 3 tips to help with bruxism relief:
1. Place your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth… keep your teeth apart.
2. Focus your attention on the jaw muscles… train them to relax… relax… relax.
3. Escape into your breathing… take slow, deep, easy breaths… quiet and peaceful.
Use these tips whenever possible. If you have worked with your dentist and still find yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, consult your local hypnotist for some coaching. You can let go of the old habit and learn some valuable stress reduction and relaxation techniques that will help you calm the bruxism. As you learn to relax, you get a good night’s sleep and improve your overall health. Your dentist will be happy too!
Here are some other ways that hypnosis helps with dental health: pain control, dental anxiety, needle fears, gag reflex and teeth destroying habits like smoking or eating sweets.
Contact your dental office for recommended programs or call us at NH Health & Wellness Center to schedule a free hypnosis interview. We will be glad to discuss your situation. We are here to help your dentist help you achieve optimal dental health.
Many Blessings,
Lois
Recent Comments