Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can occur day or night, and the consequences can include permanently damaged teeth, headaches and jaw pain.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, though the causes range from stress levels to dietary habits, symptoms of this condition include jaw tightness and increased teeth sensitivity.

The extra twinge you may experience when consuming extremely hot or cold food and beverages is a result of enamel that has been worn down. Teeth grinding can expose the lower layers of your teeth. If you're suffering from teeth grinding, you should find relief from the pain as soon as possible.

There are several home remedies you can try to alleviate some of the symptoms. Most importantly, since the condition is often related to stress, focus on deep breathing and meditation techniques before bed and make sure you get enough rest each night.

Try facial yoga exercises like the lion: Open your mouth and eyes as wide as possible; then relax for 30 seconds each. This trains your muscles to relax. For immediate relief, apply hot or cool washcloths to your jaw, alternating to get the most relief. Keep in mind that hard or chewy foods can exacerbate your condition.

If symptoms do not decrease with self-care, consult a dentist to safely and quickly deal with your condition. Use a dentist you trust or consult neighbors or online reviews for dentists with expertise in treating this problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should absolutely consult a dentist if you notice any of the following conditions:

• Your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive.
• You have pain in your jaw, face or ear.
• Others complain that you make a grinding noise while you sleep.

Teeth grinding can be particularly damaging to children’s teeth. To prevent teeth grinding from becoming a lifelong problem, consult a dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms.