Under Pressure
Covid has caused a lot of stress for all of us. Do you clench your teeth when you feel stressed?
There are tell-tale signs that this may also be happening to you while you sleep at night:j
- Do your jaw muscles hurt when you wake up in the morning?
- Do you wake up with a head ache?
- Do your teeth ache for no apparent reason?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should talk to your dentist because you many have a habit of clenching/grinding your teeth while you sleep (bruxism).
Bruxism is a habit where you grind or clench your teeth over an over again. This habit can negatively effect your oral health. It can cause teeth to break or crack and increase the chance of gum problems. Adults are not the only ones effected. Studies have found that this can be a problem with children as young as pre-school age.
What causes Bruxism?
Researchers do not know for sure what causes people to clench and grind their teeth. Some researchers think that it is caused by stress. Many individuals are not aware that they are even doing this until they have permanent damage to their teeth or jaws.
Some substances like alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can increase the chances of bruxing during sleep.
What can you do to prevent risk of permanent damage?
- Decreasing or quitting tobacco use
- Limiting the amount of caffeine you injest (if you are stopping by Starbucks more than once per day then this may be a factor)
- Talking to your dentist about getting a custom night guard or day guard that will prevent damage to teeth, gums, or jaw joints.
I hope you found these tips useful as I want to see you maintain that beautiful smile!
Love, Dr. Daniele