In this day and age, stress is inevitable. From worrying about our health, family, work, relationships, finances, to you name it, it can really take a toll on our mind and body. Stress is a common cause and/or contributor to various health problems, and, unfortunately, oral health is no exception.
Stress can lead to several oral health conditions, one which is known as bruxism, or more commonly as teeth grinding.
Prevalence & Cause: Teeth grinding and jaw clenching afflicts approximately 10% of the adult population, a majority who are unaware of it because it occurs during sleep. The exact cause of bruxism is not known, but it has been found to be correlated with stress and anxiety. Teeth grinding also has been found to be a side effect of certain medications, in particular, anti-depressants.
Signs & Symptoms: Those who grind their teeth will likely experience one or more of the following: painful, cracked or loose teeth, abraded or worn down teeth, flattened areas on the biting surface of the teeth, facial pain, tense facial and jaw muscles, clicking or locking of the jawbone, headaches, earaches, indentations on the tongue, damage to the inside of the cheeks, and poor sleep.
Risk Factors: Men and women are affected by bruxism at equal rates. However, those who smoke and drink alcohol are twice as likely to be afflicted compared to those who do not. Interestingly, certain personality types and traits also are more likely to suffer from bruxism, such as those who are tense, nervous, hyper-competitive, and/or aggressive.
Long Term Effects: Long term bruxism can have serious, deleterious effects on your teeth. It can result in prolonged chronic migraines, inflammation and blockage of the salivary glands, temporomandibular joint disorder, tooth breakage and loss, sensitive teeth, and even changes to your facial appearance.
Treatment: If you suspect yourself or a loved one of having bruxism, schedule an appointment with your dentist so that they can assess the damage and provide proper treatment. Aside from you working personally to manage and cope with stress, a dentist can fit you with a proper mouth guard to prevent further damage to your teeth.
Take Action
Don’t wait to start looking and feeling better. The prescription for your health starts here.
Smile Rx Dental offers quality, holistic dentistry in Bowie, MD. Call today to schedule your appointment: (301) 249–1571!
