Photo Courtesy: Agencies

Do you often wake up with an aching jaw or a dull headache? It might be because you are grinding your teeth in your sleep. This condition is also referred to as bruxism, and it could occur due to work stress or heavy drinking. It can sometimes also be seen in growing toddlers when they are teething.

Here are a few tips to avoid grinding your teeth in sleep:

1. Warm compress
Soak a clean washcloth in hot water. Then wring out the excess water and cover your neck and jaw with the washcloth. Repeating it 4 to 5 times twice a day can help you stop grinding your teeth. The reason it works is the warm compression on your neck and jaw will relax the muscles in that area.

2. Turmeric with milk
In a cup of warm milk add a teaspoon of turmeric powder while heating it in the pan. As some people don’t prefer the taste of turmeric, honey can be added to make the drink sweeter. Do this daily before your bedtime to get the wanted result. How this works is when combined, milk and turmeric can help relax your jaw muscles and relieve the pain associated with teeth grinding.

3. Massage
Transfer a bowl of lukewarm into another bowl. Then, rinse your face and neck with this water. Followed by, pat your face dry and gently massage your neck, jaw, and shoulders in a circular motion. Continue the process for about five minutes daily before you go to bed.

4. Vitamins and minerals
The correct balance of vitamins and minerals is necessary to help your body function properly. A deficiency in any of them is known to cause a variety of health problems, including stress and anxiety. Vitamins such as vitamin C and B complex vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of your adrenal glands and managing your stress levels. Any deficiency in these vitamins may lead to recurrent mood swings and increased psychological stress. Thus, it is recommended to consult your doctor and restore these deficiencies, if any.

5. Yoga and exercise
The stress and anxiety that you face in your everyday life can head to teeth grinding in your sleep. One of the best ways to deal with this situation is to indulge in activities that induce peace. Including yoga and exercise in your daily routine can help improve the functioning of your immune and circulatory systems. Regular exercise will relieve stress and anxiety, while yoga and meditation will help your mind and body be at peace. You can exercise or practice yoga at least 3 to 4 times in a week to relax your muscles and prevent grinding of your teeth naturally.

6. Mouth guard
Mouth guards are one of the best and most conventional treatments that can help you deal with grinding teeth. If you are looking for a quick fix for your problem, make a visit to the dentist for a mouth guard. Other than protecting your teeth from further damage, mouth guards can also help alleviate aching jaws. Any grinding noise associated with the condition will also be reduced to a great extent with this treatment.

Compiled