Yes, stress can unfortunately effect your physical self, even in your mouth. If you’ve been dealing with jaw soreness, headaches, sensitive teeth, or unexplained tooth damage, stress may be part of the problem.
Think back to the last time you were stressed or anxious. Were you clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth? Most of the time, we do it without even realizing. For some people, this happens during the day. For others, it happens while they’re sleeping. Either way, over time, that extra pressure can take a toll on your teeth and jaw.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, happens when you clench or grind your teeth. It can happen while you’re awake, but many people grind their teeth while they’re asleep and don’t know they’re doing it.
Stress and anxiety are common factors associated with teeth grinding. You may notice that you clench your jaw when you’re concentrating, driving, working, or dealing with a stressful situation.
Nighttime grinding can be harder to recognize. A partner may notice the sound before you do, or you may start noticing symptoms when you wake up.
Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth:
- Sore or tired jaw muscles
- Frequent morning headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth
- Facial muscle soreness
- Pain or stiffness around the jaw
- Damage to dental fillings, crowns, or other restorations
How Stress Can Affect Your Jaw
Your jaw muscles work hard every day. They help you chew, speak, and move your jaw comfortably. Constant clenching adds extra work for those muscles.
That can leave your jaw feeling tight or sore, particularly after waking up. Some people also experience tension headaches or discomfort around the face and temples.
If jaw pain becomes persistent, it’s a good idea to have it checked rather than assuming stress is the only cause. Dental problems and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
What Does Teeth Grinding Do to Your Teeth?
Your teeth are strong, but they’re not designed to handle constant excessive pressure.
Grinding can gradually wear down the enamel that protects your teeth. It can also contribute to cracks, chips, sensitivity, and damage to existing dental work. In more severe cases, significant tooth wear may require restorative treatment.
This is one reason we pay attention to signs of grinding during routine dental exams. Your dentist may be able to spot wear patterns before you notice a problem yourself.
Can a Nightguard Help?
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, your dentist may recommend an occlusal bite guard.
A custom nightguard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It can help reduce the direct force placed on your teeth during grinding and protect your teeth from additional wear. Cincinnati Area Dentist already offers nightguards as one of the options that may be recommended for tooth sensitivity and uses occlusal bite guards to help protect teeth from clenching and grinding.
A nightguard doesn’t necessarily eliminate the reason you’re grinding your teeth, but it can help protect your smile from the damage caused by grinding. Read more about our bite guards here!!
Speak Up About it at Your Next Visit
Everyone deals with stress from time to time. But if you regularly wake up with a sore jaw, notice that your teeth are becoming more sensitive, or have started seeing signs of tooth wear, it’s a good idea to bring it up at your next dental visit.
At Cincinnati Area Dentist, we want dental visits to feel comfortable and supportive. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain what we’re seeing, and help you understand your treatment options. If you are around the Cincinnati area, we would love for you to schedule a check-up with us today!