Stress, Worry, & Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Teeth Grinding Getting You Down?

You go to bed worried about your job security, as your company has stopped growing.  Talk has begun regarding cutbacks and layoffs. You are concerned regarding house payments..  Upcoming budget strain of a child returning to school during Covid-19. You may have anxiety over the state of your investments.  Whether the decision to buy that stock will come back to bite you, may be clouding your mind.  Grinding, bruxism and mouthguards may be in your future.  Apprehension regarding the weakening economy dictates your bedtime mood and with a mind teeming with uneasiness, you fall asleep. The next morning brings even more discomfort as you wake with a splitting headache and a sore jaw. While brushing your teeth you notice that some of them feel sensitive, so despondently you head off to work feeling like your body is falling apart along with the economy. Perhaps it’s time to schedule an appointment with dentist, William H. Miller, D.M.D.

The Symptoms of Bruxism

There are many contributing factors to the shaky economy.  Solutions may be convoluted and varied.  The good news is that the headache, sore jaw, and loose teeth may all be due to a single cause.  Bruxism, more commonly known as “teeth grinding.” Bruxism is when a person clenches their teeth together tightly, or grinds them back and forth against each other.  This typically occurs in one’s sleep, unconsciously.

The symptoms of bruxism include:

1. Grinding or clenching teeth together, sometimes loudly enough to attract attention.
2. Fractured, chipped teeth or teeth that appear to be worn down or flattened.
3. A loss of tooth enamel and exposed dentin which can lead to an increase in tooth sensitivity.
4. A tightened, tired-feeling, or sore jaw.
5. Headaches or earaches due to jaw muscles contracting continuously.
6. Continual facial pain.
7. Chewing on the inside of the mouth or seeing indentations appearing on the tongue.
8. Upper and lower teeth that are abnormally aligned.

Bruxism is due to a myriad of causes.  Often there is more than one reason why a person may find themselves habitually grinding their teeth. Stress, anxiety and tension, frustration, and suppression of anger are common causes for bruxism. Not only is emotion a possible culprit, but so is personality type, as those who have aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive qualities may find themselves in the bruxism boat.

Another reason for teeth grinding is suffering from a disorder, such as Huntington’s, or from side effects of certain psychiatric medications. Even young children may grind their teeth as a side effect of teething or in response to pain from an earache.

Get Relief from Teeth Grinding

Thankfully your local dentist is well acquainted with bruxism.  He or she is aware of  its symptoms, causes and treatments.  The dentist will suggest a mouthguard or nightguard to prevent teeth grinding.  These can be worn discreetly and comfortably, even while sleeping. A splint that can be fitted over your upper or lower teeth is often used to discourage and discontinue teeth grinding. Sometimes treatment isn’t even found in the dentist’s office. Some patients may need assistance or therapy in managing stress or correcting the behavior contributing to bruxism. And not everyone even requires treatment, as children often grow out of it and adults often desist once the cause of their stress, anger, or frustrations are put to rest.

Headaches from Grinding and Bruxism

If you awake with a headache, you may be grinding your teeth. If you see that your teeth are being worn down, or get strange looks from people overhearing the grinding noise coming from your mouth, don’t worry. Just head to the dentist you usually frequent for your teeth whitening or oral hygiene needs, and he’ll be able to diagnose and treat the problem if it is indeed bruxism. Your dentist may not be able to resolve all of the economy’s issues, but he can help with the some of the stressful effects and make your life a bit easier.

Mouthguards, are a variation of occlusal guards.  Mouthguards are more routinely used for those that participate in athletics.  Typically, they are thicker and softer.  They do protect the teeth and also importantly protect the temporal mandibular joints (TMJ) from trauma.  Dallas dentist, Dr. William Miller can also help with diagnosis and construction of dental mouthguards.

Please go to Dr. Miller’s website HERE for more information regarding grinding, bruxism and biteguards.

Dallas Dental Office News Update, By Dallas Texas Dentist, William H. Miller
Woodhill Medical Park, 8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 235, Dallas, Texas, 75231
Phone: (214) 692-1050