It is possible to cause headaches, tooth damage, and other problems by clenching your jaw.During daytime or nighttime hours, the habit can occur, but it usually requires retraining of the jaw and reduction of stress to correct it.In most cases, home treatment works, but professional medical care is needed in some cases.
Step 1: A warm compress can be used.
Take a clean cloth and put it in hot water.Hold the moist cloth over the tensed or pained portion of your jaw for 10 minutes.As soon as you notice jaw pain, perform this procedure.It is possible to repeat the procedure immediately before times of high stress.The warmth will help relax the muscles in your jaw.A relaxed jaw is less likely to clench.
Step 2: Take care of the jaw.
To massage the muscles, use your fingers.Apply firm yet gentle pressure to the tensed portion of your jaw, then work around the entire jaw and mouth area with small, circular motions.If you notice jaw tension or pain, you can repeat the exercise after you clench your jaw.Tension in the muscles of your jaw can be alleviated by massaging the affected area.You will be less inclined to clench them once the muscles are loosened.
Step 3: The proper jaw placement is practiced.
If jaw clenching has become a chronic problem, you may have trained yourself to hold your jaw at a subconscious level.It is possible to re-train your brain and muscles by practicing proper jaw placement.A small gap between your upper and lower teeth should remain when you close your lips.The tip of your tongue should be between your teeth.For at least five minutes, hold it there.During this time, your jaw should be in a more natural position.You may need to ask your dentist to show you the best position for your jaw if this simple correction doesn't feel right.Take pictures of the way it looks.Take the pictures and place them in front of a mirror.
Step 4: Take supplements that are right for you.
Increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C will help regulate muscle activity.You can increase your intake by following a diet or taking supplements.One part magnesium for every two parts calcium is what you should take if you choose to take supplements.You could take 600 and 300 of calcium and magnesium.An adequate daily dose of 90 vitamins C should be determined.If it hasn't been helpful, repeat your ritual daily for at least two months.
Step 5: Stress can be identified as a stress triggering event.
Stress can cause you to clench your jaw.Once you identify the causes of stress, you can figure out how to deal with them.Keep a journal to keep track of your stress.Make a note of any incident that causes anxiety, even if it seems mild, and pay special attention to causes of stress that occur immediately before or during jaw clenching.Avoid stress that can be eliminated.If you can't eliminate triggers, balance them out with behaviors that help relax your mind.You could listen to soothing music, take a warm bubble bath, or meditate.
Step 6: Allow your sleep cycle to be controlled.
It is possible to reduce jaw clenching at night by following a regular sleep pattern.It may be easier to stop clenching your jaw if you get eight hours of good, quality sleep each night.Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.Try to get eight hours of sleep in between.You should try to improve the quality of sleep in addition to increasing it.Before you go to bed try to relax.Coffee and alcohol can change the body's sleep cycle.All bright lights and sources of irregular noise should be turned off while you sleep.
Step 7: You have to exercise.
Regular exercise can help regulate your mood and immune system.The muscles in your jaw should become stronger as a result of this.You don't have to do a lot of exercise to get these benefits.Try walking at a slow to moderate pace for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week.If not permanently, make this a part of your routine for at least two months.
Step 8: You can schedule your appointments with your doctor.
Jaw clenching is a problem that involves both physical and mental factors.A qualified dentist should be able to treat the oral components of the problem, but you'll need to talk with a general physician to determine a treatment plan for any other factors.
Step 9: Invest in dental equipment.
Both mouth guards and dental splits can keep teeth separated and protect them from the kind of damage caused by clenching jaw.Over-the-counter mouth guards are better than dental splits.Hard plastic is used in mouth guards.The clenching of the jaw can cause pain, and it may make the underlying tension worse.Soft acrylic is used to make dental splints.They won't stop your jaw from clenching, but they should reduce the associated pain and prevent the tension from worsening.In extreme cases when daytime clenching is an issue, you can wear the equipment during daytime hours, even though mouth guards and splints are usually reserved for nighttime treatment.
Step 10: Correct the alignment of the teeth.
Your jaw clenching problem may be caused by damaged teeth.The best way to fix the underlying issue is to consult with your dentist.There are braces that may help correct teeth.In some cases, your dentist may recommend placing crowns to fix the problem.The proper alignment of your teeth can be restored by rebuilding a damaged tooth.
Step 11: Seek professional help.
The most common type of therapy that can help correct jaw clenching is cognitive behavioral therapy.Physical therapy can use biofeedback.The doctor will look at the way you hold and control your jaw during the procedure.The doctor can use the same equipment to help regulate your jaw muscles.The psychological component behind jaw clenching is treated by cognitive behavioral therapy.It is possible to change the way you approach stress by talking to a psychologist or counselor.
Step 12: Try it.
There are regular treatments that can reduce jaw pain.It stands as a popular form of alternative medicine despite not having a lot of scientific evidence to back it up.You could learn more about professional treatments.Acupressure applies firm pressure to strategic points, instead of using strategically placed needles, to control pain in the body.
Step 13: Learn more about muscle relaxants.
If you want to prevent your jaw from clenching, you should use muscle relaxants.You can ask your doctor about injected and oral relaxants.If you want to avoid dependency on oral muscle relaxants, you should only take them for short periods.Your body's immune response is relaxed by these medications.You should take them before you go to sleep.otulinumtoxinA treatments are injected directly into the affected area and only relax the jaw muscles.These treatments are usually only used as a last resort.
Step 14: Take your medications and look at them.
If you're currently taking long-term prescription medications and you didn't clench your jaw before you began treatment, ask your doctor if it's a side effect of the medication.If the problem is caused by medications, your doctor may prescribe a different medication.There are different types of medications that can cause jaw clenching, but some of the most common culprits include antipsychotic and antidepressants.Alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can cause jaw clenching.