If you always have a dull headache or often wake up with a sore jaw, you might be grinding your teeth when you sleep. At Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, the premier dental office in Richmond Hill, GA, the dentists have more than 30 years of experience treating bruxism, the medical term for occasional teeth grinding. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques, the dentists at Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry treat everything from teeth grinding to broken or missing teeth to teeth cavities.

If you think you might be grinding your teeth — which is often a symptom of stress and anxiety but can also be caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth — it’s important to try and stop. Teeth grinding is harmful and can result in fracturing, loosening, or even the loss of teeth. At Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, the dentists can fit you with a mouthguard to protect your teeth if you grind them while you sleep. You can also talk to your dentist to determine if a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is the cause of your bruxism.

Here are some other tips from the friendly and knowledgeable dentists at Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry on how to stop teeth grinding:

• Don’t Chew Gum: If you chew gum regularly, your jaw muscles are used to clenching, which might make you more likely to grind your teeth. With that in mind, don’t chew gum. The same goes for pencils or pens, too.

• Practice Relaxing: If you notice you clench or grind your teeth during the day, train your jaw muscles to relax by positioning the tip of your tongue between your teeth. You can also relax your jaw muscles by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe. Do this right before you go to bed.

• Reduce Stress: If your bruxism is caused by stress, brainstorm ways you can reduce your stress levels. This could include attending counseling or starting an exercise program.

Many people grind and clench their teeth occasionally, but if you suspect you’re grinding your teeth on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your dentist so you can avoid excessive wear on your teeth and other oral health complications. For more information about the services offered at Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, visit the website or call the best dentist office in the area at (912) 756-3880. You can also find the dental team on Facebook.