Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (57)
- dental implants (14)
- chipped tooth (5)
- bonding (3)
- clear aligners (2)
- orthodontics (3)
- oral hygiene (16)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguard (3)
- dental treatment (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- pediatric dentistry (5)
- fillings (1)
- smile makeover (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (13)
- dental hygienist (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dentures (7)
- Root Canals (2)
- Teeth Whitening (6)
- dental hygiene (1)
- Veneers (6)
- Dental Crowns (1)
- root canal (3)
- Nutrition (7)
- mouthguards (3)
- bridge (1)
- bacteria (1)
- oral health (11)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- tooth decay (10)
- sealants (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- Nitrous Oxide (1)
- fluoride (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- gum disease (6)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- sensitive teeth (4)
- crowns (5)
- chipped teeth (1)
- bad breath (2)
- braces (4)
- diabetes (2)
- tmj disorders (3)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (2)
- Laser Periodontal Therapy (1)
- orthodontic treatment (3)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medication (1)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- bridges (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- retainers (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- sugar (2)
- x-ray (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- extractions (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- restorative dentistry (2)
- jaw pain (2)
- bruxism (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- flossing (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- dental bonding (1)
- x-rays (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- medications (1)
- cracked tooth (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- Tooth Extractions (1)
Categories:
My Blog
Posts for tag: bruxism
It’s hard to avoid stress in the 21st Century. We’re all bombarded with stressors, from work to family — even our smart phones!
The problem really isn’t the stressors themselves but how we respond to them and try to relieve stress. This can often have a negative effect on our health. One example: bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or clenching.
These habits involve the rhythmic or spasmodic clenching, biting or grinding of the teeth, often involuntarily, beyond normal chewing function. It often occurs while we sleep — jaw soreness the next morning is a telltale sign. While there are other causes, stress is one of the most common for adults, bolstered by diet and lifestyle habits like tobacco or drug use, or excessive caffeine and alcohol.
Teeth grinding’s most serious consequence is the potential for dental problems. While teeth normally wear as we age, grinding or clenching habits can accelerate it. Wearing can become so extensive the enamel erodes, possibly leading to fractures or cracks in the tooth.
When dealing with this type of bruxism, we must address the root cause: your relationship to stress. For example, if you use tobacco, consider quitting the habit — not only for your overall health, but to remove it as a stress stimulant. The same goes for cutting back on your consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
Adopt an “unwinding” pattern at night before you sleep to better relax: for example, take a warm bath or keep work items or digital media out of the bedroom. Many people also report relaxation or stress-relief techniques like meditation, mindfulness or biofeedback helpful.
There’s another useful tool for easing the effects of nighttime teeth grinding: an occlusal guard. This custom-fitted appliance worn while you sleep prevents teeth from making solid contact with each other when you clench them. This can greatly reduce the adverse effects on your teeth while you’re working on other stress coping techniques.
Teeth grinding or clenching can prove harmful over time. The sooner you address this issue with your dentist or physician, the less likely you’ll experience these unwanted consequences.
If you would like more information on the causes and treatments for teeth grinding, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Teeth Grinding: Causes and Therapies for a Potentially Troubling Behavior.”
