By Miles Rose
Teeth grinding, often known as bruxism, is a widespread disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Teeth grinding can occur during the day, but it is more common at night and may go undiagnosed until it causes pain or other symptoms. A Dentist in Akron, OH emphasizes that stress is a big contributing cause of bruxism. In this post, we’ll look at the relationship between stress and teeth grinding as well as how to properly treat the problem.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth. While occasional teeth grinding may not cause substantial injury, persistent bruxism can result in major dental issues such as tooth wear, fractures, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Common bruxism symptoms include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Headaches on waking up
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- Chipped teeth
- Jaw pain or soreness
The Stress-Bruxism Connection
Stress is a major component of bruxism. When we are stressed, our bodies create more chemicals, such as cortisol, which can cause muscular tension, particularly in the jaw. This strain might cause us to clench or grind our teeth unintentionally. For many people, teeth grinding is a subconscious reaction to stress, anxiety, or tension. It may happen throughout the day, but it’s more prevalent during sleep when we’re less conscious of our surroundings. Chronic stress, in particular, can aggravate bruxism and make it more difficult to treat.
How Can You Manage Stress-Related Bruxism?
Regular exercise can help you manage your stress. Regular physical activity relieves stress and releases endorphins. If stress is too much to handle on your own, try getting counseling or therapy to learn coping methods and stress management practices. Furthermore, if stress-related bruxism is producing serious tooth issues or symptoms, your dentist may prescribe that you wear a nightguard while sleeping. A nightguard is a custom-fitted dental device that protects your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching. Teeth grinding may be a painful and destructive condition, particularly when aggravated by stress. Understanding the relationship between stress and bruxism and adopting proactive efforts to properly manage stress can lessen the frequency and severity of tooth grinding and safeguard oral hygiene.
If you feel that stress is causing your bruxism, consult your dentist or healthcare professional for individualized advice and treatment options. With the appropriate method, you may overcome stress-related bruxism while also improving your oral health and general well-being.
