Exploring the Connection Between Stress and Teeth Grinding
Trying to balance our work and private life can often be quite stressful, and being constantly under pressure can take quite a toll on our mental and physical health. Unfortunately, grinding teeth unconsciously during sleep is a way for some of us to deal with additional stress. While the habit seems harmless at first, the condition can lead to significant dental problems if left undiscovered and untreated. As the link between tension and dental issues caused by teeth grinding cannot be missed, let’s look closer at potential stress management techniques, prevention measures to avoid long-term problems, and treatment options offered at dental clinics Parramatta.
Common signs of teeth grinding, known as bruxism, are when patients complain about headaches, sore jaw muscles, or pain when eating during a regular check-up. Dentists Parramatta will identify the condition for a proper diagnosis by asking questions about the patient’s medical history, daily routines, and sleep habits and gathering information about major stresses or life changes.
To assess the extent of the teeth grinding, dentists may examine the patient’s jaw muscles, look for obvious dental issues, such as broken or missing teeth, and maybe even take X-rays to check for damage to teeth and underlying bone.
Once bruxism is diagnosed and seems to be related to significant sleep issues, dental clinics Parramatta often recommend consulting a sleep medicine specialist who can conduct further tests to determine if the patient has sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders contributing to the teeth grinding.
Since teeth grinding is often linked to anxiety or psychological factors, you may be referred to a licensed therapist or counsellor to help with troubling emotions and behaviours. If the teeth grinding is linked to stress or anxiety, other potential solutions dentists Parramatta may advise to help reduce tension include stress or anxiety management techniques, like meditation or yoga. They might also teach the patient proper mouth and jaw positioning to help break the habit, also known as behaviour modification.
In addition to these mental and physical exercises, several self-care strategies can help prevent or manage bruxism:
- Reducing stress by listening to music, taking warm baths, or spending more time in nature
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Practising good sleep habits
- Communicating with the partner to help identify any grinding or clicking sounds made while sleeping
- Scheduling regular dental exams so dentists Parramatta can spot signs of bruxism during routine visits
In many cases, treatment for teeth grinding may not be necessary. Many children outgrow bruxism without intervention, and the condition is not severe enough for some adults to require therapy.
However, if the problem is severe and the enamel surface of the teeth is worn down, it exposes the sensitive inner layers, a condition that can prompt tooth sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of decay and infection. In other words, chronic bruxism can cause fracturing, loosening and even loss of teeth and dentists may suggest various dental treatments such as crowns, bridges, implants, root canal treatments and dentures to restore the damaged teeth, prevent further issues and relieve jaw pain or discomfort.
To address teeth grinding, dentists may recommend mouth guards. Mouth guards are designed to separate the teeth overnight and can be made of soft, dual laminate or hard material like acrylic to fit snugly over upper or lower teeth. To design a custom model, dental clinics Parramatta will take a negative copy of the lower or upper teeth to create a mould that perfectly fits the patient’s mouth to protect them from damage during sleep.
Contact Parramatta Dental Avenue at 1300 315 540 if you experience regular pain during meals or have trouble opening your mouth, as these could be signs of bruxism or teeth grinding. Our experienced team will provide guidance to help identify the hidden causes of your discomfort and advise you on comprehensive treatment should you suffer from bruxism and avoid extensive dental work down the line. Don’t hesitate to take action and potentially damage your teeth. Take the first step towards better dental health and discuss the possibility of getting a custom-fitted mouthguard – call dental clinics Parramatta now to schedule an appointment.
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