I have this jaw problem...

My hubby is telling me that I’m clenching or grinding my teeth at night. Until now, I don’t even realize that I’m doing it. Actually, I have this kind of problem since I was young and during that time, all I knew was just that I had an improper teeth position which also resulted to lack of self-confidence. And in my college years, my wisdom tooth didn’t come out or they called it as impacted tooth. So after getting a job, having my teeth fixed is the first thing that I need to focused of and also hoping that my jaw problem will totally go away. I wore braces for two and a half years and my sister said that I’m still grinding my teeth. When I was already satisfied with the alignment of my teeth, we decided to remove the braces. Days, weeks and months had passed by, and until now, I’m still grinding my teeth. What’s really wrong with me?

Other people say that the common triggers are tension and anger. Well, I don’t get angry… but, maybe a bit tense or I used to work with most of the stressful situations during the day. I looked over to some of my favorite and informative books about self-help remedies. My condition is mild and occasional and if you have the same condition as mine, here are some simple things to try.

RELAX INTO BEDTIME

Avoid stressful thoughts, activities or videos in the hours before bedtime. Tackle finances, watch violent movies and talk about sensitive subjects earlier in the evening. If you are bothered by worries, jot down things that you need to address the next day. Then take a long, warm bath before you go to bed.

While you’re in the bath – or even when you’re lying in bed – cover your jaw with a face washer that’s been soaked in hot water. The extra warmth will relax your jaw muscles.

Practice progressive muscle relaxation before you go to sleep, so tension doesn’t lead you to grind at night. When you’re lying in bed, tense, and then relax the muscles in your feet. Repeat with your calf muscles, then thigh muscles and so on, progressively tensing and relaxing each set of muscles all the way up your body. Before long you should feel relaxed.

Avoid eating within an hour of bedtime. Digesting food while you sleep makes you more likely to grind your teeth.