Could Stress Lead To Bruxism?

This is a stressful time for many of us. Some have been furloughed, others are concerned about heading into work and contracting COVID-19. Many families are also struggling to homeschool their kids too! All this stress could lead to a number of issues, including a higher risk of bruxism. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about avoiding bruxism, and how to stop grinding your teeth.

The Causes of Teeth Grinding

When we develop bruxism, this means we grind or clench our teeth on a nightly basis. Stress is the most common cause of bruxism, but other potential factors include tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, dental misalignment, bite imbalance, or even untreated oral health concerns, like TMJ disorder. The factor behind your bruxism will be taken into account when we create a treatment plan for our patients.

Potential Damage to Your Smile

Over time, the pressure of grinding and clenching could begin to wear down outer enamel and even crack or chip a tooth. The damage then exposes the sensitive inner layers of dentin to harmful bacteria, which then leads to the onset of tooth decay and dental infection. You may experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches when this happens. Remember, any pain in your tooth or teeth could be considered a dental emergency, and one that needs attention. We can schedule a visit to examine your smile, and offer treatment to restore the tooth, and solutions to help prevent further grinding episodes.

Preventing Trouble and Possible Treatments

To help avoid this issue, take steps to help lower the amount of anxiety in your day-to-day life. Working out, performing breathing exercise, taking frequent breaks, and even keeping a schedule so you stay on top of your tasks could all help alleviate stress. Try to cut back on caffeinated beverages too, and avoid any hard or chewy foods that could increase strain on your jaw joints.

To repair damaged teeth, we may use dental bonding or even a custom-made dental crown. With an oral appliance, we can reposition the jaw to ease pressure and help prevent further grinding or clenching episodes. The appliance also places a barrier between your upper and lower sets of teeth to protect them from further damage. If you have any questions about addressing this issue, or about our approach to dental emergencies, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Teeth Grinding?

Combating your stress is good for your mood and the overall health of your smile. For more information on preventing serious oral health issues, please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, and all surrounding communities.