Some stress can be inescapable, but we do have control over how much impact stress can have on our daily lives. If you take care to avoid stress, and manage it when it is unavoidable, you can limit its effects on you. People who struggle to do this can experience more than just emotional turmoil; prolonged periods of stress can have negative physical effects. One effect of stress that should concern you is teeth grinding. When you are repeatedly grinding or clenching your teeth, you wear down the enamel, which can cause cosmetic problems as well as potential dental injuries. If you continue to struggle with this issue, you should know that our Seattle, WA dentist’s office can provide a custom mouth guard to keep teeth safe.
Pay Attention To These Issues With Teeth Grinding
Your issues with teeth grinding can have harmful effects in the short term as well as over time. Initially, a problem with persistent grinding can cause your teeth to feel sensitive or sore. It can also make you frustrated because you can feel pain in your face and jaw. Headaches are also a potential source of concern. Over time, the continued pressure can wear down your teeth and change their shapes. You may even have dental damage that requires the placement of dental crowns.
Putting A Stop To Teeth Grinding
If you are starting to grind your teeth as a response to stress, working on stabilizing your mood can help. To lower your risk for grinding your teeth at night, pay attention to your jaw – if it feels unusually tight or tense, take care to relax it. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help you avoid nightly teeth grinding. If you continue to grind, and feel helpless to stop yourself from doing it while you sleep, a guard placed between your teeth can stop your habit from wearing down teeth and damaging them.
Protecting Your Smile Against Other Stress-Related Issues
Stress may influence your oral health in other ways that you should know about. You may have a harder time preventing problems with tooth decay if you are often stressed, as you can experience problems with dry mouth and fatigue. When you lack energy, it can affect your concentration as you brush and floss. This means you are less likely to clear away harmful bacteria and food debris. Your exhaustion can also lead to more caffeine consumption, and that can put your teeth at more risk for teeth stains and decay. Dry mouth is a problem because it robs you of your ability to produce an adequate supply of saliva, which makes you less naturally resistant to cavities.
Talk To Your Seattle, WA Dentist’s Office About Teeth Grinding Troubles
At our Seattle, WA dentist’s office, patients who are worried about their oral health should know that our practice is here to help. That includes help with stress-related issues, like teeth grinding, which can create greater risks for dental problems. To find out more, please call Ballard Neighborhood Dentist at 206-789-2555.
