Things To Do When You Notice You Are Clenching Your Teeth
Posted on 5/1/2025 by Cooley Smiles Bellevue
Have you ever noticed that your jaw is tight, or that your teeth feel sore, especially in the morning? If so, you may be clenching your teeth.
Clenching, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that can lead to a variety of oral health issues. It can cause headaches, jaw pain, and even damage to your teeth. But don't worry, there are things you can do to manage bruxism and protect your oral health.
Why Do People Clench Their Teeth?
There are many reasons why people clench their teeth. Stress is a common factor, but other causes include anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain medications. Sometimes clenching can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so it's important to see your doctor if you're concerned.
What to Do if You Notice You Are Clenching Your Teeth
The first step is to be aware of the problem. Once you know you're clenching your teeth, you can start to take steps to manage it. Here are a few things you can try:
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Relaxation techniques: Stress is a major contributor to clenching, so finding ways to relax can be helpful. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
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Mouthguard: A mouthguard can help to protect your teeth from the forces of clenching. Your dentist can fit you for a custom-made mouthguard, or you can buy one over-the-counter.
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Avoid stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol can worsen clenching, so it's best to avoid them.
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Jaw exercises: There are specific exercises you can do to help relax your jaw muscles. Your dentist can show you how to do these exercises.
How to Prevent Further Damage
If you have noticed that your teeth are already damaged from clenching, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need:
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Dental fillings: If your teeth have small chips or cracks, they can be repaired with fillings.
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Crowns: If your teeth are more severely damaged, they may need to be covered with crowns.
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Restoration dentistry: In some cases, more extensive restorative work may be needed to repair damaged teeth.
Conclusion
Clenching your teeth can be a sign of a larger issue, so it's important to pay attention to your oral health and see your dentist regularly. By following these tips, you can manage bruxism and protect your teeth from further damage.
Dentist Bellevue • About Cooley Smiles Bellevue For over 35 years, we've built a reputation for delivering quality general and cosmetic dental services available. Call or schedule an appointment today! Cooley Smiles, 4100 Factoria Blvd SE, Suite C, Bellevue, WA 98006-1262 \ (425) 998-6998 \ cooleysmiles.com \ 5/22/2025 \ Page Keywords: dental office, dental office in bellevue wa, dental clinic
Have you ever noticed that your jaw is tight, or that your teeth feel sore, especially in the morning? If so, you may be clenching your teeth.
