Stress and Your Teeth
Many people occasionally grind and clench their teeth, but when this occurs regularly (bruxism), it can wear down the tooth enamel and lead to other health complications such as earaches, jaw pain, and headaches.
There are multiple reasons you may experience teeth grinding. Key among them include emotional stress and anxiety. It mostly happens during sleep though some people suffer from this even when awake. Drug and alcohol use, sleep disorders, bad tooth alignment, problems with dental work, and teething (in babies) can also lead to teeth grinding.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can seek dental care. The symptoms include:
- Dull headache
- Tight/sore jaw muscles
- Teeth fractures
- Damaged dental fillings
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
Breaking the Habit
For stress-related causes, you can break the habit through relaxation techniques and counseling. Reducing the use of stimulants and maintaining a good bedtime routine also helps. Most importantly, visit your dentist for a proper evaluation of all parts of the occlusal system to determine if there is any dysfunction somewhere in the bite. A custom mouthguard can also be made to prevent further teeth grinding.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw, be sure to contact Carolina Smiles Dentistry at 919-620-6700 to schedule your next dental appointment. Regular dental appointments for both you and your kids are necessary to spot signs of teeth grinding early on before you are aware of it.
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.CarolinaSmilesNC.com.
