How to stop teeth grinding

Roughly 20 percent of adults grind or clench their teeth to the point that they're at risk for permanent tooth and jaw damage, dentists say.

Here are tips for protecting your pearly whites:

Recognize the symptoms. Those include flattened, worn or chipped teeth; jaw pain or tightness; gum sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; and earaches and headaches, especially right after you wake up. Bedmates also may hear clicking or squeaking noises as you sleep. Call your dentist right away.

Work to relieve stress. Regular meditation, deep breathing, exercise and enjoyable hobbies will help; some people also benefit from talking to a therapist. It's especially good to do right before bedtime. Take a bath, listen to soft music, read a favorite book or drink a glass of warm milk. Holding a warm washcloth against your jaw for about 10 minutes can help relax those muscles.

Wear a mouth guard. Protective dental devices keep teeth from rubbing together at night. Such as the DenTek Comfort Fit Nightguard.

Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. Both can make a grinding problem worse, especially if you eat or drink either shortly before bedtime.

Train yourself not to clench. During the day, notice if you are pressing your teeth together and work to hold them apart even if your lips are sealed. Putting the tip of your tongue between your front teeth may help.

Talk to a doctor. People with a severe grinding problem may benefit from a temporary prescription for muscle relaxants or even surgery. Just be aware that medical interventions may have unpleasant side effects. Relaxants, for example, can be addictive over time.

By, Alison Johnson