When you wake up in the morning, does your jaw hurt? Are you having a difficult time getting the quality sleep your body needs? Maybe stress at work or family obligations has you clenching your jaw? If this sounds all too familiar, there are ways to alleviate your stress and avoid damaging your teeth.
Let’s take a look at how stress, clenching, and sleep habits can affect your smile over time and what we can do to help.
How Stress and Clenching Affect Your Smile
Stressful situations can make you grind your teeth, and it often happens while you’re asleep. This grinding habit is known as bruxism, and it is extremely common among adults. And because you may not know you’re clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night, it can lead to the following issues:
- Cracks and fractures — Excessive strain on your teeth can cause them to crack or break.
- Tooth wear — Over time, clenching and grinding wear down your tooth enamel and can lead to sensitivity and flatter teeth.
- TMJ disorders — Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) gets sore when you clench your jaw, and this can cause headaches.
- Gum disease and tooth decay — Stress can increase inflammation in your body, and this can make you vulnerable to plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease.
Protecting Your Smile
Here are some ways you can alleviate your stress and protect your teeth and gums from long-term damage:
- Mouthguards or nightguards — We can create a custom mouthguard for you to wear during the day or while you’re sleeping. This custom appliance can prevent tooth damage caused by bruxism.
- Stress reduction techniques — It’s important to do whatever you can to alleviate stress. We recommend practicing yoga, exercising, meditation, or deep breathing to combat the urge to clench your jaw.
- Routine dental exams — Visiting our dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning allows us to examine your teeth for any early signs of stress-related damage and intervene before it worsens.
Need Quality Dental Care in Arlington, VA?
If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for bruxism, our experienced team will happily assist you! At Clarendon Family Dentistry, we’ll assess your needs and work with you to alleviate your symptoms.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, feel free to call our office at (703) 522-8894.
We’re here when you need us!