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Grinding is a serious contributor to both clicking and pain in the jaw area. If you grind your teeth at night or while you work, consider getting a mouthguard. Your dentist can custom-fit one to your mouth, or you can get an inexpensive guard from many pharmacies and sporting goods stores. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, many pharmacies and drug stores sell mouthguards meant specifically for night time wear. Check these out, as they may be more comfortable for your sleeping hours. Habits like chewing pencils or biting your nails can irritate your jaw, contributing to TMJ clicking. Try finding new ways to occupy your hands or direct nervous energy, such as by using a stress ball. You could also consider getting metal mechanical pencils that are unpleasant to chew. Sometimes, you might not even notice that you've started to bite or chew. Ask a friend or coworker to let you know if they see you biting or chewing nervously. Crunchy foods including raw vegetables, chips, hard pretzels, and breakfast cereals can exacerbate jaw clicking. When possible, try to eat softer foods such as pastas, cooked vegetables, omelets, and soup. Excessively chewy foods like soft caramels can make jaw popping worse, too. Try to avoid overly chewy foods. Stress can lead to clenching or grinding your teeth, which can in turn cause or worsen jaw clicking. Try to adopt a personal stress relief program. Even small changes such as practicing deep breathing in a stressful situation can help reduce physical symptoms. Try to take just 5 minutes a day to meditate. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and try to clear your mind. If you're new to the practice, you may want to look up a guided meditation online to help take you through the process. If you find a certain situation at school or work is particularly stressful, excuse yourself for a moment. Walk into a calm area, and take a few deep breaths before going back in. Taking a quick walk during your lunch break or once you get home for the day can be a great way to relieve daily stress.
Wear a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding. Try to stop nervous biting and chewing. Eat softer foods instead of crunchy ones. Work to reduce stress in your daily life.