Prevention of Bruxism

Prevention of Bruxism

• Try to avoid foods and drinks that cause the bruxism such as colas, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and tobacco.

• Try not to clench or grind your teeth. Position the tip of your tongue between your teeth to avoid grinding the teeth.

• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm cloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

• Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth. Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food.

• Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.

• Reduce your child's stress, especially just before bed.

• Include plenty of water in your child’s diet because dehydration may be related to teeth grinding.

• Ask your sleep partner aware of any grinding or clicking sounds that you might make while sleeping. Your sleep partner can then let you know if he or she notices any teeth grinding sounds in the night.