Bruxism Can Sometimes Be Managed Using Stress Management Techniques
Posted on 2/8/2021 by Watermark Dentistry
Stress is a common occurrence in modern-day society. With everyone chasing around the clock to achieve their daily goals and dreams, it is easy to get overwhelmed by work and social life. In response to stress, some people will subconsciously grind or clench their teeth; a condition called bruxism. Bruxism mostly affects people during their sleep but can also manifest during the day. If you have stress-related bruxism, embracing stress management techniques will be necessary to relieve the symptoms.
How Stress Causes Bruxism
When you are stressed, your body muscles will tighten. When this tightness occurs on your jaw muscles, it will result in tooth grinding or clenching. This behavior can be subconscious as you concentrate on other activities. However, over time, your jaw muscles will strain and exhibit symptoms such as pain, popping, and clicking sounds. In severe cases, bruxism will affect your eating and chewing capabilities by making it difficult for you to open or close your mouth. Teeth grinding will also wear out your enamel resulting in tooth sensitivity and a gummy smile. Therefore, if you clench your teeth due to stress, you should manage stress early enough before bruxism damages your teeth.
How to Manage Stress to Relive Bruxism
The inability to cope with stress can result in bruxism and embracing stress management techniques will ease the symptoms. Among the methods, you can use to relieve stress include relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, breathing exercises, massage, and muscle relaxation. If you notice yourself clenching your teeth, you can train your muscles to relax by holding your tongue between your teeth. Exercising for about 30 minutes daily will also reduce your stress levels; hence, causing teeth grinding. Where teeth grinding is out of anxiety, consider talking to our therapists for counseling to relieve stress. Getting adequate sleep is also necessary to relieve stress. For more details on managing stress and bruxism, contact our office today.
Dental Blog | Dentist Normandy Park, WA | Watermark Dentistry Our team at Watermark Dentistry has provided this educational blog as a resource to our patients. Click here to learn about procedures, home care and more! Watermark Dentistry, 18537 First Avenue South, Suite A, Normandy Park, WA 98148-1888 ~ (206) 242-5808 ~ watermarkdentistry.com ~ 2/15/2025 ~ Page Phrases: dentist Normandy Park WA ~