I'm always gritting my teeth. i think it's maybe an anxiety thing. how do i stop that habit? my jaw is aching!

Complex: Managing the damage to your teeth may involve a bite splint which can help manage the bruxing issue as well if there is a bite related component to it. Exercise, meditation, stress management, or massage therapy may also be necessary. This is often a multi faceted issue. Start with a good dental exam and ask lots of questions to develop a good understanding of your situation.

CBT plus NG: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be used to treat any underlying psychological problems, such as stress and anxiety, that may be causing you to grind your teeth. Also your dentist can give you a recommendation on the type of night guard (NG) you need.

Complicated: Complicated. If during daytime, just stop. If night time, see DDS for night guard. If persistent, see orofacial-TMJ doc. See a TMJ-orofacial pain expert to help evaluate and treat your problem. A TMJ-oro-facial pain expert can be general dentist, an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, orofacial pain specialist. Ask your physician, dentist or dental society for a recommendation.