Bruxism Exercises To Reduce Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, another name for teeth clenching and grinding, can cause enough wear and tear on your teeth over time to cause damage. It’s a prevalent issue, and the majority of bruxists are unaware that they have it. This is especially true for people who grind primarily at night. Fortunately, there is a way to lessen the negative consequences of grinding and its unpleasant side effects. To prevent mouth pain and eliminate clenching and grinding your teeth, you might attempt bruxism exercises.

What Are Bruxism Exercises?

Exercises for bruxism should ideally target the causes as well as the consequences of teeth grinding. One of the reasons for bruxism is jaw strain, though some people can also get jaw tension from grinding. In either case, tense jaw muscles might cause headaches, earaches, or jaw joint discomfort. Stress is an additional cause of bruxism. Relaxation techniques, such as practicing mindfulness, can help you sleep better, maintain normal blood pressure, and lessen the general wear and tear on your entire body, including your teeth. Reducing stress in your life is generally very good for your health.

Here are some bruxism exercises designed to alleviate tension and reduce stress:

Awareness Techniques

Engage in exercises that heighten your awareness of potential triggers, such as stress, anger, or boredom. By consciously monitoring the position of your tongue and teeth, you can prevent teeth grinding. Placing your tongue against the backs of your top teeth makes grinding impossible. As you identify triggers, use this technique to mitigate their impact.

Stretching Routines

Incorporate stretching exercises to normalize the muscles and joints in your jaw and the surrounding head muscles. When tension arises, gently open and close your jaw to relieve stress.

Physical Therapy

Seek the assistance of a physical therapist who can customize a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, addressing the root causes of bruxism effectively.

Massages

Include massages in your routine, targeting not only the jaw but also the neck and shoulders. A skilled therapist may identify muscle knots contributing to chronic tension.

Meditation

Integrate meditation practices into your daily routine. By slowing down and focusing on your breath, you create a sense of calm that aids in relaxation, releasing tension associated with bruxism triggers.

Focused Relaxation

Practice focused relaxation whenever you sense tension in your face or jaw. Consciously transition into a more relaxed position. If you’re unaware of jaw tension, deliberately clench the muscles and then slowly release them to familiarize yourself with a neutral position.

These exercises aim to enhance awareness, promote physical well-being, and cultivate a state of relaxation to manage and alleviate bruxism-related tension and stress. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Olivia Cui, your reliable dentist in Olds, AB, to assess and identify the most suitable approach for your unique situation among these options.

Do Bruxism Exercises Really Work?

The efficacy of treating bruxism with physical therapy is still being studied by researchers. However, it appears that bruxism exercises can help reduce some of the symptoms thus far. However persistent TMD or severe malocclusion calls for different kinds of specialized care. Consult your dentist if bruxism activities are ineffective for you. To realign your teeth, you could require orthodontic therapy.

Headaches, stiffness, and sore, aching muscles are common symptoms of bruxism. However, relief may be achievable through specific exercises. To overcome this habit and regain a smile free from pain, consult with your nearest dentist in Olds, AB, to explore the most effective bruxism exercises.