Understanding The Connection Between Stress And Bruxism

Did you know that when we experience high levels of stress, this could sometimes increase the chances of bruxism developing? This disorder causes us to grind or clench our teeth, and over time, this pressure could damage smiles and lead to serious complications! In today’s blog, your Tucson, AZ, dentist talks about identifying and treating bruxism.

How Does Anxiety Make Us Grind Our Teeth?

With bruxism, we grind or clench our teeth in the night as we sleep, and over time, this disorder could actually wear down outer enamel or even crack and chip the teeth. Weakened enamel and damage is linked to a higher risk of tooth decay and infection. While stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding, other factors include tooth loss, misalignment, bite imbalance, untreated TMJ disorder, and even injuries to the face or jaw.

Warning Signs

Sometimes, a significant other may notice if you grind or clench your teeth as you sleep. They then let you know and you can contact us for more information. However, there are other warning signs that occur during our waking hours, such as pain in the face or jaw, toothaches and tooth sensitivity, or increased headaches and migraines. If one or more of these potential symptoms applies to you, then please contact our team. We want to make sure you continue to keep your smile healthy from home, and that you avoid any potential damage!

What Next?

If you encounter any warning signs, call our office. While we can’t offer treatment for bruxism right now, with emergency care we can address any damage that may have happened. If you have pain in your teeth, then contact us and we can schedule an emergency visit to repair and restore your smile with bonding, crowns, or other treatment options. At home, you can help by avoiding chewing on hard objects like pens or pencils, or consuming tough and chewy foods, as this could exacerbate the symptoms. Avoid caffeinated products too, and try to limit your stress levels with breathing exercises, work out routines, walks (while paying attention to social distancing protocols), and creating a schedule to help you better manage your new routine. If you have any questions about addressing and preventing issues related to bruxism, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Bruxism?

At our Tucson, AZ, dentist’s office, our team is ready to offer advice and emergency care for patients in need, whether you have pain due to teeth grinding or have chipped or cracked a tooth. If you have questions about protecting the health and stability of your smile, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439.