Teeth grinding, or bruxism has been linked to anxiety, high-stress work, poor sleep, and long hours. This is according to the National Health Society in the UK. The worst part is—most teeth grinding actually happens at night, so you might not even be aware of the damage you’re doing to your oral health, making this hard to control.
However, there are things you can do during your waking hours that can help prevent you from grinding your teeth. Yoga offers lifestyle practices that can help with bruxism. Yoga, including meditation, includes innovative and helpful relaxation processes. Since bruxism is stress-related, yoga poses for teeth grinders can provide relief.
The following are 5 yoga poses for teeth grinders. These can help you and help the health of your teeth.
Moving Eyes “Round-the-clock” Pose
When your eyes experience stress, the rest of your face is affected including the jaws. Closing your eyes is the first thing towards relaxation. Close your eyes, move them round in clockwise, and counter-clockwise circles, both 20 times.
Warrior 2 Pose (Virabhadrasana II)
This full body pose is expansive and includes strength and stretch. Set up this pose so one leg is straight ahead and bent somewhere around a 90 degree angle with your other leg at about 45 degrees behind you. Extend your arms out to either side, at around shoulder level. Allow your gaze to turn toward your front leg (bent knee). Breathe in the pose for a length of time that works for you. Then switch sides.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
The pose is done on the floor, so for additional comfort, use a mat. You can have a yoga block for support as needed. Start out on your knees, with your knees and legs width apart. While lengthening your spine, stabilize your thighs, hips, and lower legs. Place your hands on your lower back for stability and slowly bringing your head back as far as you can. Relax your shoulders and remain in the pose for about 10 deep breaths.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhanasana)
Bridge pose is practiced on the floor, emulating the arch of a bridge. Set up a mat for comfort and cushioning. Lying on your back, slowly lift your hips and the length of your spine. Use your legs to support your upper back. Keep your arms alongside your body, or reach underneath and interlace your fingers. You may even feel like gently squeezing the edges of your shoulders together. Drop your chin to your chest. Remain in the pose for as long as 10 breaths if that works for you. When you are ready, start to roll yourself back down to the mat.
Lion’s Breath Pose
While kneeling on the floor, cross the front of the left ankle over the back of the right while pointing your feet out to sides. While spreading your fingers, place your palms firmly on your knees. Take a deep breath through the nose and open your mouth while stretching your tongue out, pointing the tip towards your chin and opening your eyes widely.
With the distinct ‘ha’ sound, exhale slowly through the mouth and contract the muscles at the front of your throat. Pass the breath over the back of your throat. You can even roar three times while changing the cross of the legs and repeating the same. This will help release the tension on the face and chest.
If you have been wondering how to stop bruxism and release tension in your mouth and jaw, try some of these poses.Yoga is the answer you have been looking for as recommended by the Amazing Smile Dental. Practicing the above poses such as the Camel Pose, Warrior 2 Pose and Lion’s Breath are some of the top yoga poses for teeth grinding.
