Nighttime teeth grinding can result in neck and jaw pain and discomfort during the day. Often, our teeth get the blunt of our stress. Stress, anxiety and sleep disorders can cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaws while sleeping, the American Dental Association reports. If stress is the cause, it is important to find a way to relax; options include stress reduction and anxiety management, counseling and exercise. Tension headaches and the loss of tooth enamel are among the long-term consequences of teeth grinding.
Progressive Muscular Relaxation
One exercise that may help reduce stress and manage anxiety is Progressive Muscular Relaxation, known as PRM. When the body experiences stress, the muscles react by tensing or contracting. PRM is a systematic approach to relaxing the muscles and the mind and relieving the muscle tension that can help cause tooth grinding at night. Through PRM, which works to promote rest and relaxation, your body's musculature tenses and relaxes. Each muscle is tensed and relaxed three times before you move on to the next muscle. Ideally, PMR is done in a quiet location with low lighting to increase relaxation.
Counseling
By talking to a professional about problems in your life, you can reduce the amount of stress you experience. Counseling or therapy often offer solutions for these stress-producing events and allow you to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Counseling is important for those who are facing profound challenges, the website All About Counseling reports. Professional counselors can help you gain insight into the stressors in your life.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise has been linked to stress reduction. If stress is related to teeth grinding, and cardiovascular exercise is linked to stress reduction, then exercise may also help reduce teeth grinding. The National Institute on Aging suggests incorporating 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine. This will aid in reducing the stress and tension that drive teeth grinding.
Strength Training
Routine exercise such as strength training helps promote improved sleep, the Mayo Clinic reports. Additionally, exercise may help you fall asleep easier and in a more relaxed fashion. When your body is more relaxed, your jaw muscles are less likely to tense up, and you will be less likely to grind your teeth at night. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic notes that strength training can also help manage chronic conditions such as anxiety that are associated with stress.
