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How Stress Affects Teeth Clenching and Grinding

February 20, 2022
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Posted By: Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Team
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If you are someone who suffers from bruxism —the grinding and clenching of teeth while you sleep, you may be looking for a solution.

Studies show a strong correlation between stress and the clenching and grinding of teeth, but it is unclear why exactly the two are linked.

Further studies show that stress may be more related to the clenching and grinding your teeth do during the day than at night. Night-time jaw clenching and grinding may more likely be caused by jaw function or alignment issues.

Neither is good for the health of your teeth in the long run, as grinding and clenching will wear down the enamel while increasing the risk of cavities and causing sensitivity, headache, migraine, and even facial inflammation.

Tips for Daytime Clenching and Grinding of the Teeth

For clenching and grinding during the day, these things:

  • Become conscientious of when you are clenching your teeth and relax
  • Try breathing exercises
  • Get exercise and spend time outdoors to relieve stress
  • Gently massage your jaw muscles

Patients who clench their jaws at night may wonder if anything can be done. Your local dentist can help you treat bruxism by providing a night mouthguard and examining your mouth to see if the problem is caused by jaw alignment.

Arrange Bruxism Treatment in Rockville, MD

At Gladnick Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we treat patients with all degrees of bruxism and help you find relief from the endless pain and clenching.

If you suffer from bruxism and clench your teeth while you sleep, you should visit your local dentist for an examination. We may be able to determine the reason for your teeth grinding, and we can provide assistance to help protect your teeth at night and help correct the issue.

Contact us today at (301) 963-0800 if you would like to schedule a time to meet with our dentist for a consultation and examination to determine the best course of action for your oral health.

Related Blog Posts
October 10, 2021
Solid Solutions for Clenching and Grinding
Man smiling at TMJ dentist near me Rockville

Do you clench and grind your teeth at night? If you wake up with frequent headaches, have excessive wear or fractures on your teeth, or experience pain or tenderness when you chew and eat food, the answer to that question might be yes!

The problem is that many people who suffer from clenching and grinding (bruxism) don't even know that it's a problem because it happens at night while they sleep. Yet, these symptoms can be uncomfortable and debilitating.

The good news is that there are solutions to protect your smile from the damage caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.

What Causes Bruxism?

The causes of teeth clenching and grinding vary for each person. For some, it may be caused by stress or ...

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