3 Ways to Stop Grinding Your Teeth — Without a Mouthguard
HAVE YOU TRIED THEM ALL?
If you regularly wake up with a sore jaw and painful headaches, then you might be clenching your teeth while you sleep. This is a dangerous problem you should address right away. Too much clenching and grinding can
If your stress is affecting other areas of your life, you might also consider seeing a mental health professional for help.
2. Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine . A 2016 study found that drinking alcohol almost doubles your chance of grinding your teeth! Coffee has an even worse effect, boosting the odds by 150%. If you cut down on these things, you might sleep better and grind less. 3. Practice good sleep hygiene. To do this, you’ll need to develop habits that promote better sleep, like going to bed and waking up at the same time each day; getting the recommended 7–9 hours of rest; sleeping in a dark, quiet place; and keeping electronics out of the bedroom. All of these things will help you get quality, grind-free sleep. You can find more details at CDC.gov/sleep . If you’re still in pain after trying these natural options — or if the state of your teeth is deteriorating — schedule a visit to your dentist right away. In the office, you’ll learn about the best option for you, whether that’s a mouthguard or something more permanent, like dental correction to repair and reshape your teeth.
wear down your teeth or even break them, ruining your smile! So, what can you do?
Mouthguards are a classic tool to prevent grinding, but they can also be a pain in the butt. You have to buy one, take it in and out every night, and remember to bring it with you on vacation. If your grinding issue doesn’t seem urgent, you may want to try these Mayo Clinic- approved natural remedies before booking an appointment with your dentist.
1. Eliminate sources of stress. Stress and anxiety while you’re awake can lead to grinding while you sleep. To improve your state of mind, try to delegate some of your responsibilities, take up a calming hobby like yoga or meditation, or build a relaxing bath into your nightly routine.
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
CREAMY BAKED PUMPKIN RISOTTO
Ingredients
• 5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 2 cups Arborio rice • 2 cups of pumpkin, diced • 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée • 1/2 yellow onion, minced
• Salt, to taste • Pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese • 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 400 F and arrange a rack in the middle. 2. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine broth, rice, diced and puréed pumpkin, and onion. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until evenly combined. 4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until water has been absorbed and rice granules are puffed. 5. Remove from the oven and stir in basil, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, and olive oil.
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