Are you experiencing a higher level of stress at the moment? If so, you’re definitely not alone! With everything happening in the world, everyone seems to be on edge and as your Houston, TX, dentist knows, stress could often lead to teeth grinding. In today’s blog, we look at the warning signs of teeth grinding and what you can do to help!
The Link Between Teeth Grinding and Stress
High levels of stress could increase the risk of nightly teeth grinding. Other potential causes include tooth loss, dental misalignment, bite imbalance, injury to the face or jaw, or untreated TMJ disorder. When we grind our teeth on a nightly basis, we may experience headaches and migraines during the day, as well as pain in the face, jaw, and neck. Tooth sensitivity and toothaches could also develop, as the pressure on the teeth causes them to wear and crack.
How Do I Help?
First, if you begin to encounter the warning signs above, or if a significant other lets you know that you grind your teeth frequently, then try to cut back on caffeinated products and hard/chewy foods. Use a warm washcloth against the side of the face to alleviate any tension. To reduce stress consider working out a little each day or taking long walks, maintaining a sleep schedule, and creating a schedule to help you gain better control of your changing routines. While we’re not offering preventive and general treatments at the moment, if your teeth ache then we can provide emergency care to halt the discomfort and restore the tooth. If you do need to visit our office, then we will schedule an appointment so you don’t share the waiting room with other people, and make sure commonly touched surfaces are all cleaned and disinfected in between each visit.
The Dangers of Teeth Grinding
The reason we want you to be aware of the warning signs of bruxism, and take steps to alleviate the issue, is that over time, the damage wrought by teeth grinding exposes the inner sensitive tissues of the tooth to harmful bacteria. This means the risks of tooth decay and infection rise, as does the chances of eventually tooth loss. Don’t ignore pain in your teeth let us now so we can administer emergency treatment as needed. If you have any questions about reducing stress, or about addressing bruxism from home, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BRUXISM?
We want to make sure you enjoy optimal oral health from home and avoid dangers complications for your smile. With the right steps, we can keep our smiles healthy until checkups and cleanings are once again possible! To learn more about treating bruxism, schedule an appointment by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.