Since much of this activity occurs at night while sleeping, a nightguard can be extremely helpful to protect your teeth.  Stock nightguards can be purchased at the store, or a custom guard can be made by your dentist, using impressions of your teeth.

Along with the use of a nightguard, you may want to consider activities that reduce life stress, because stress can cause or worsen clenching and grinding.  Soft music, light reading or soaking in a warm tub, can help you relax before bed.  In some cases, occlusion is the problem.  Treatment can include a bite adjustment or orthodontic treatment. Severe bruxing cases may require counseling, hypnotherapy and/or muscle relaxing medications.   Your dentist might even suggest you see an oral medicine specialist to help manage the problem.

Daytime clenching occurs as well.  Here’s a simple exercise to stop daytime clenching:

First, break the clenching cycle by consciously recognizing you are clenching.   Stretch your jaw by opening wide or moving laterally.  You may even want to rub your jaw joints. 

Next, relax your jaw and gently place your tongue behind your upper front teeth.  Let your tongue relax--don't push on your teeth.  You will notice that you can't close your teeth in this position--that's the point.

Make this your new tongue resting position. Repeat this exercise as needed.  It is very effective and well worth the effort.  I practice this exercise myself and rarely have jaw and neck pain anymore.

Keep smiling!

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Caron Nelson Glickman, DDS has been helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles in Duvall since 1992.

          For more information, contact 425-788-1551.

          Caron Nelson Glickman,DDS
          26425 NE Allen Street, #102 • Duvall
          425-788-1551 • caronnelson@comcast.net
          www.great-smile.com