The Smile Daily

Are Your Teeth Suffering From Stress? If you’re feeling stressed these days, you’re not the only one. From pandemic anxiety and global events to family or work situations, there are all sorts of things that can cause us to worry. When you find yourself in a stressful season, don’t forget to take care of yourself, including (you guessed it) your teeth.

You probably knew that stress isn’t exactly good for your health. But, did you know that stress can affect your teeth, too? Some dental conditions, like clenching and grinding, tend to surface as a result of stress. Research shows that these stress-related dental conditions are on the rise. In a recent survey by the American Dental Association, more than 70 percent of dentists reported an increase in conditions like clenching and grinding among their patients.

Clenching and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can lead to more serious health conditions, so it’s important to address these conditions early, before they cause significant damage. Not sure if you clench or grind your teeth?

Look out for these common symptoms:

• New clicking or popping in the jaw
• Generalized soreness around the ears
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Chipping of the teeth around the gum line (also known as abfraction)
• Tooth wear

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you might have a clenching or grinding problem, especially if you’re also facing an increase in stress. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist to discuss any concerns you have about clenching or grinding.

While stress-related dental conditions can be destructive, there are luckily several options to treat or prevent future issues. In most cases, your dentist will recommend a night-guard to wear at night to protect your teeth from wear. Exercise or meditation may also be helpful to reduce the stress causing your dental issues. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.

We always recommend discussing any concerns you have about your teeth with your dentist. Together, you can find create a plan to ensure your stress doesn’t steal your smile. Want to schedule a time to talk to your dentist?  Call our office or fill out our contact form to find a time that’s convenient for you. Norge Dental Center is here for all your dental needs.