Home Remedies for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism which is a very common problem especially among children and is related to dental disorder. Many people do not even know that they have this problem since they grind their teeth in sleep or in unconscious state. Teeth grinding is like putting so much pressure on the teeth, surrounding muscles, jaws and tissues. This also leads to other problems like jaw pain, earaches, headaches, damaged teeth, etc. It may also lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

Causes of Teeth Grinding

The most common causes of bruxism are stress, frustration, growth of teeth and jaws, suppressed anger, misaligned teeth and few other complications of diseases like Parkinson’s, parasitic infestations and side effects of medicines. It is commonly observed among fibromyalgia patients.

Many get aware of this problem when they get headaches and jaw aches. Some get informed by dentists when they observe teeth damage and jaw pain. While many get to know from family members.Here are few home remedies to cure this problem at home easily.

Home Remedies for Teeth Grinding

Home Remedies for Teeth Grinding

  1. Warm Compress

Applying moist heat on your jaws can prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching mostly. Heat generally relaxes the jaw and muscles of your mouth. Soak a cloth in some hot water and wring out the excess water out of it. Then place it around the jaw area for some time. Do it twice everyday to relax the jaw muscles preventing the teeth grind further. You can also take warm bath before you sleep everynight to relax your muscles temporarily.

  1. Massage

Massage your muscles of your neck, face, shoulders gently in circular motion for few minutes every night before bed. It relieves tension in the masticatory muscles decreasing the pain and reduces clenching. A full body massage can relax all the muscles overall and reduce the stress.

  1. Valerian

It has muscle relaxing properties which can help you relax and get you into deep sleep. Which means you won’t grind your teeth. Mix few drops of valerian essential oil in a teaspoon of olive oil and then massage it around the jaw area and neck near the jaws. Also drink valerian tea regularly for better results.

  1. Lavender

It has calming and soothing properties on the nerves since it is bioactive constituents. Moreover it helps you sleep better. Mix 3 – 4 drops of lavender essential oil in a teaspoon of almond oil or olive oil and massage it to the jaw and neck around your jaw. Do this once in the morning and once before going to bed.

  1. Herbal Tea

If you are tensed or stressed and are suffering from insomnia then drink a cup of herbal tea before bed. This will give relaxing effect to your body. When your body is not stressed or tensed then you will get better sleep and so you will not grind your teeth. Moreover warm herbal teas relaxes facial muscles and cures insomnia. Take 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water and boil it for 5 minutes. Then strain and add some lemon juice with honey in it. Drink it once or twice a day especially before going to bed.

  1. Turmeric Milk

Together these two ingredients can do wonders on health. It can control teeth grinding problem to a greater extent. Milk has amino acid, tryptophan which relaxes you and will get you into sleep easily. Since milk is rich in calcium it will keep your teeth strong and healthy. Turmeric in this milk can relieve jaw pain and headaches. Heat a cup of milk and stir in a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Once the milk turns into mustard color add a teaspoon of honey as well for taste. Drink it daily 30 minutes prior going to bed.

  1. Calcium & Magnesium

Supplementing yourself with these two important minerals can control your teeth grinding habit. When you have calcium and magnesium deficiency you may get problems like teeth grinding, clenching, cramps, tension, spasms, etc. You can take powdered calcium and magnesium in 2:1 ratio everyday. Take 600mg calcium and 300mg magnesium daily. Slowly increase this dosage to 1000mg calcium and 500mg magnesium.You can also dissolve these powders together in acidic liquid like grapefruit or orange juice. Drink it daily for 2 months.

  1. Vitamin C

This is very essential for your body to function properly. It helps in the making of key neurotransmitter dopamine which is a hormone known to control mood. It also controls the smooth muscle movements. Vitamin C deficiency can affect the adrenaline and noradrenaline and affect the nervous system causing stress. Take vitamin C supplement and before that consult your doctor about it. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C

  1. Deep Breathing

These exercises can prevent teeth grinding and these breathing exercises can relax your muscles before going to bed. Just breathe also eases the tiredness of muscles.

  1. Exercise

Exercise thrice a week regularly to help reduce the stress and calm down your body. It will strengthen the ability to cope someone with stressful situations. It will moreover improve your sleep quality. After having dinner, go for a walk in the dinner or balcony and do some mild exercises to relieve all the tension in your body; stress can also cause teeth grinding. Avoid all the stimulating foods like tea, coffee or alcohol.