website builder Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a condition in which you clench, gnash, or grind your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may grind your teeth when sleeping (sleep bruxism) or clench them unconsciously when you are awake (awake bruxism). There are several causes associated with bruxism, with stress being one of them. When stressed, the chances of grinding or clenching your teeth when sleeping are high. Therefore, it is important to know how stress can increase the chances of teeth grinding.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
When you are stressed or depressed, you are likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw when sleeping. You could also grind your teeth when awake without being aware of it. These actions can result in painful jaws and difficulties in opening and closing your mouth. The pain also gets intense when talking and eating. Apart from teeth grinding, stress can also cause symptoms like headaches. These conditions can affect your oral health significantly.
Persistent grinding can wear down the enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to infections. This happens because the enamel, which is the strongest tissue in your body, is damaged. As a result, you will experience tooth sensitivity due to the exposed dentin. Grinding can also result in dental stains. This happens when the yellowish dentin beneath the enamel is exposed. Therefore, protecting your teeth against the effects of tooth grinding is very important.
The most reliable way of protecting your teeth against the effects of bruxism is using dentures. You can wear them before going to bed to limit excessive damage. Dentures shield your teeth against the effects of grinding, keeping them in good shape. This will go a long way in keeping your oral health intact. Schedule a consultative appointment with us for more information on how stress causes bruxism.
