Dentists and researchers aren’t in complete agreement about the cause of nightly tooth grinding (bruxism). But they do agree that it’s partly stress-related.
Since the year-end holidays can be some of the most stressful months of the year, we may be at risk for high stress more than at any other time. The Holiday Season is more than your ordinary daily grind—it’s much more stressful. You can actually lower your body’s stress response by inhaling deeply and exhaling completely. With mouth closed, slowly inhale until you cannot take in more air. Then slowly exhale, until your lungs feel empty.
What you’re doing is increasing the oxygen you take in, which causes you to relax. Try it the next time a stressful occasion arises, and for a few minutes just before bed.