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?
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.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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