Let’s face it: life can be stressful sometimes! We all know the symptoms of stress which can include headaches or overall irritation, but did you know it can cause tooth damage over time? It’s true! Let’s take a closer look at how it all works.
When stressed, the body can respond in many ways, including jaw clenching, as a reaction to the stress and anxiety. Over time, this can cause the molars to wear down from the constant strain and pressure. If severe enough, jaw-clenching can even lead to a cracked tooth.
In order to prevent this, regulate stress levels and be conscious of when you are jaw-clenching or grinding your teeth. Like posture, close attention to your body when you revert to old habits can be greatly beneficial in lessening the likelihood of serious tooth damage.
When you notice that you are grinding your teeth or have an unrelaxed jaw, it can help to extend your jaw downward while touching your tongue against your front teeth. Verbally saying the letter “N” can also massage the jaw and aid relaxation. It is also important to see us, so we can make you a custom night guard or bite plate to protect your teeth from bruxism when you are sleeping. The barrier between your teeth helps provide a cushion to the muscles in the jaw and protect your teeth.
Stress management is just one of the many ways you can keep your teeth healthy and strong, but it’s importance cannot be overstated. A focused dedication to reducing stress in your life goes a long way for your overall health, oral health included!
If you need an appointment for a custom night guard to protect your teeth, contact Goldstein Dental Group in Novi, Michigan for an appointment.