Next time you are on a hectic commute, instead of checking traffic updates, check your teeth. Are you clenching your teeth or grinding them together? Bruxers, or people with chronic teeth grinding, often clench their teeth together in stressful situations. While bruxism is most common during sleep, it can also occur when you are focused on other activities like driving, work, or typing. Check yourself periodically throughout the day to see if you are clenching your teeth.
This habit is harmful to your dental health because it wears away tooth enamel; the constant stress on your teeth erodes this protective barrier, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities and tooth sensitivity. Bruxism can also lead to other dental health conditions such as TMJ disorder.
This jaw hinge joint complication can be caused by a number of other dental health issues such as misaligned bite and teeth grinding. Stress can also be a catalyst for TMJ disorder because of constant jaw muscle tension. Taking time to ease your stress with activities that relax you may help. Although reducing stress can help alleviate some symptoms of TMJ disorder, many of these subconscious habits are hard to break by simply finding time to relax.
Stay tuned to next week’s blog to find out more about the symptoms of stress on your oral health and how comfortable dental treatment from our Encinitas periodontist can help. To schedule an appointment with our Encinitas periodontal office, call us at (706) 642-0711. We serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.
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