Tips To Stop You From Grinding When You Have Porcelain Veneers

If your teeth have been ground down or damaged due to your tooth grinding habit, then you may want to speak with your cosmetic dentist about using porcelain dental veneers to fix the way your teeth look. The veneers can last a long time, but they can be damaged like your natural teeth. This is one reason why it is wise to stop your grinding habit as soon as possible. Your dentist can make a personalized bruxism guard that matches the exact shape of your mouth and teeth after the veneers are added. There are several things that you can do also to stop the grinding.

Find A Good Stress Relief Regimen

If you are not exactly sure why you grind your teeth, then the simple answer may be that you are simply too stressed out. Studies show that about 70% of people who grind their teeth do so in response to stress. If you think that you may be stressed, then now is the time to invest in a proper stress relief regimen that can keep you from mindlessly grinding.

There are a variety of techniques you can use to reduce stress, and many of them are backed by science. Simple techniques like taking a yoga class, meditating, listening to calming music, laughing, and drinking tea are a few things you should think about. You can also try some deep breathing exercises

Using aromatherapy and smelling calming scents is a good way to keep yourself stress-free as well. Lavender is one scent that is calming and so is peppermint. Place a drop of essential oil under each nostril when you feel yourself clenching your jaw, or add five drops of the oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. 

Drink More Water

If you do not drink enough fluid, then dehydration may be causing you to grind your teeth. Dehydration can cause a wide range of symptoms. One of these is the tightening, spasming, and cramping of the muscles. The vast majority of your muscle tissue is made up of water. When you become dehydrated, some of this fluid is pulled away from the tissues. When this happens, the muscle tissues start to contract and pull together. You may feel like it is hard to open your mouth when this happens and you may grind to reduce some of the strain on the jaw. 

To reduce the tightening, try drinking more water throughout the day. Sip on a water bottle or consume full glasses of water at different times throughout the day. While other types of beverages can help to keep your body hydrated, plain water is best. Also, the water will not contain any coloring agents that can possibly stain the veneers. 

To learn more, contact a dentist such as Michael G Landy DDS.

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