How can I stop grinding my teeth?

Teeth grinding usually happens at night. Watch as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why custom mouth guards may be a solution to help control grinding.

One solution to avoid teeth grinding: Cork it. Literally. Sounds weird (and it looks kind of weird, too), but you'll thank me for it: Take a cork from a wine bottle and hold it lengthwise between your front teeth (without the bottle, slugger). Now, relax your jaw and mouth muscles around it for at least a few seconds (or forever is good). This helps ease some of the built-up tension.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often related to stress and anxiety. Finding ways to reduce stress and to relax can help alleviate teeth grinding and create other long-lasting health benefits. Some techniques to help stop teeth grinding include biofeedback, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, exercise, and professional mental health counseling or psychotherapy. Cutting down on stimulants such as tobacco and caffeine may also help.

If your teeth grinding is caused by  dental problems, your dentist can help you with appropriate treatment, including veneers. Your dentist can also make a custom-fitted mouth guard for you to wear at night to prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth while you're asleep.