06 Sep Are You Grinding Your Teeth? Try These Holistic Remedies
Do you frequently wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or tooth sensitivity? These might be signs that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding is a common problem, especially if you’re under a lot of stress or have poor sleep habits.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can occur during the day or while you sleep. It is often triggered by:
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor sleep quality/sleep apnea
- Misaligned bite
- Nutrient deficiencies (like magnesium or calcium)
- Too much caffeine/alcohol
Even if you’re unaware it’s happening, bruxism can cause some serious damage. First of all, it wears down your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities. It also puts extreme pressure on your teeth and jaw. It could cause tooth fractures or make TMJ disorders worse. Here’s how to stop grinding your teeth, and when to see a doctor or dentist about it.
Four Natural Ways to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Addressing the root cause of bruxism is the best way to find relief. Rather than jumping straight to a mouthguard (though that may be a step in your overall treatment), we encourage a full-body strategy. Try using these holistic strategies, and make sure to go to all of your dentist appointments to mitigate any damage.
1. Reduce Stress
Because bruxism is usually linked to emotional stress, natural stress-relief practices can have a big impact. Here are some stress-reducing activities to try:
- Meditation and breathwork to calm the nervous system
- Journaling to process unresolved thoughts or emotions
- Acupuncture or massage to release jaw tension and anxiety
- Yoga to improve mind-body awareness and reduce muscle tightness
2. Eat a Magnesium-Rich Diet
Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and nervous system support. Helping your body get plenty of this nutrient is a good way to help fight bruxism. Consider adding leafy greens like spinach and kale, nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds and almonds to your diet. Avocados and bananas are also great sources of magnesium.
Make sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking any magnesium supplements.
3. Try Jaw Exercises and Physical Therapy
Jaw and tongue posture can influence teeth grinding. You may find relief from bruxism with:
- Gentle jaw stretches or resistance exercises
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain your mouth muscles to function and rest properly
- Postural awareness techniques to avoid clenching during the day
4. Get Better Sleep
Since teeth grinding most commonly occurs while sleeping, it’s important to get a good night’s rest. When you’re relaxed and in a deep sleep, you’ll be less likely to grind your teeth. Here are some natural ways to get a better night’s rest:
- Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed
- Stick to a consistent sleep routine
- Don’t drink caffeinated beverages in the afternoon or evening
- Use calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile
- Try herbal teas like valerian root or passionflower
- Use a white noise machine or listen to sleep stories
Poor sleep can also be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. For example, sleep apnea can contribute to bruxism at night. If you constantly suffer from poor sleep, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your physician. They can help you find out if you have a sleep disorder and prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist.
When to See a Holistic Dentist
If you suspect you have bruxism, it’s important to get a checkup right away. We will evaluate your tooth wear patterns, jaw alignment, and muscle tension, and ask about your lifestyle and emotional factors. We can recommend the best holistic therapies for treating bruxism, and help you protect your teeth and jaw from further damage.
At Prescott Dentistry, we use natural, holistic methods to help you achieve better health, reduce stress, and restore balance to your life. Schedule a consultation today—we’ll help you uncover the root cause of your teeth grinding and develop a personalized, whole-body treatment plan.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/2/2025). Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash