No matter how zen we try to be, our modern world is full of things that can cause us stress. From a mountain of deadlines at work to major life changes like moving, marriage, and parenthood, the pressures and worries we feel can have detrimental consequences for our body and health. One example of this is when psychological stress leads to unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism.
Chronic teeth grinding can cause long-term damage to your teeth. Ultimately, you could need restorative dental work like a dental crown because of the excessive wear and tear.
At Hillstream Dental, we certainly don’t want you to deal with worn down, broken, or loose teeth because of stress-induced bruxism. To help you keep your smile healthy, we’ve pulled together some questions you can ask yourself to help you figure out if stress is causing you to grind your teeth at night.
Signs You May Be Stressed
Sometimes we get too wrapped up in our worries and responsibilities to fully recognize how stressed we are and how our stress is negatively affecting our quality of life. Ask yourself these questions to see if you’re stressed:
- Are you constantly worrying?
- Do you get easily annoyed or frustrated?
- Is it hard for you to focus?
- Do you feel like you’re losing control?
- Is it challenging to relax?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Are you struggling with chronic low energy and fatigue?
- Do you regularly deal with headaches or digestive issues?
If many of these questions are ringing a bell, then you are probably experiencing a high amount of stress.
Warning Signs You Grind Your Teeth
Psychological stress can lead to repetitive teeth grinding and clenching. Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth because it happens when they’re sleeping. That being said, there are still some things you can ask yourself to see if you are suffering from bruxism. Do you…
- Feel pain or stiffness in your jaw?
- Have frequent headaches?
- Notice your teeth look flatter or more worn-down than usual?
- Feel pain or sensitivity in your teeth?
- Have a partner that has told you they hear you making a grinding sound while sleeping?
If you’ve answered yes to many of these questions, it’s time for you to see a dental professional about getting a custom-made nightguard to protect your teeth until you can reduce your stress level. We also invite you to look into relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, journaling, exercise, yoga, music, and counseling.
Protective Nightguards at Hillstream Dental
Hillstream Dental in Rochester Hills and St. Clair Shores, MI, provides bruxism nightguards as part of our range of preventive dental services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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