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Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Many people grind their teeth or clench their teeth in their sleep. Occasional teeth grinding is not harmful but if it occurs on a regular basis then the teeth can become damaged and other oral health problems can arise. Mostly bruxism is caused by undue stress, anxiety and nervousness. Sometimes nightmares and crooked teeth can also lead to teeth grinding. Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth while sleeping but a dull constant headache and a sore jaw makes them realize that they do grind their teeth in the night.
The noises made by teeth grinding are very unpleasant and horrid and can deprive your partner of the right amount of sleep needed every night. However, by adopting certain measures and practices you can easily overcome bruxism and save your teeth from wearing down to mere stumps and save yourself expensive trips to the dentist.
Home Remedies For Bruxism
Warm Compress
Dip a washcloth into some hot water and squeeze out the excess water thoroughly. Fold the washcloth several times to form a compress and place this around your face before going to bed.
Make sure the compress covers your entire jaw and both the sides of your face. The moist heat will relax the jaw muscles and prevent you from grinding your teeth when sleeping. Do this each night until you are completely cured.
Munching before Bedtime
Before you go to bed munch an apple, carrot or any other crisp fruit or vegetable. Chewing on these crunchy, healthy and nutritious foods will provide a good exercise regime to your jaws and muscles and will stimulate the blood circulation to these areas.
It will also help to calm your mouth and prevent grinding of the teeth. In addition to this, you must stop chewing gum as it allows the jaw muscles to get used to clenching.
Milk
Drink a glass of hot milk each night before going to bed. Milk will not only soothe the mind but it will also relax the body thoroughly.
Milk is rich in calcium and other valuable nutrients that will nourish the bones and the muscles and keep the body in excellent health. You must give up alcohol at all costs as it increases the chances of grinding teeth at night.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has great soothing and relaxing powers which can remove stress and alleviate anxiety and keep the mind in a calm and composed state.
Boil a cup of water and steep one teaspoon of chamomile into it for ten minutes. Drink this tea before going to bed each night to help your relax completely.
Deep Breathing Exercise
Each night, before going to bed sit on a mat in a cross legged position with your back straight. Take a deep breath till the count of five and hold your breath till the count of five.
Exhale slowly till the count of six then again hold your breath for five seconds and inhale. Repeat this pranayam for fifteen minutes to ease your tired muscles and to relax your mind and body.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.