April is Stress Awareness Month, and while you may be familiar with the impacts of anxiety on your overall wellness, you may not know that it can affect your dental health, too. Teeth grinding is a common side effect of stress, often requiring a night guard to prevent oral health problems. Here is a guide to stress, how it is connected to teeth grinding, and what you can do to treat the issue.

How Does Stress Impact Your Dental Health?

Stress has multiple effects on your body, causing tense muscles, headaches, and nausea. When overly stressed, the muscles in your face tighten, causing your jaw to grind or lock—even when you’re sleeping. This grating motion leads to bruxism, or teeth grinding, and can be difficult to stop since it often occurs during sleep. Chronic teeth grinding can cause headaches, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and it can compromise your tooth structure. Without treatment, these problems can lead to loss of teeth, broken teeth, gum disease, and damage to the jawbone.

How Is Teeth Grinding Treated?

The most common solution to combat the effects of bruxism is a night guard. This dental device is similar to a mouth guard but is worn at night time to reduce the symptoms of teeth grinding. It not only reduces the grinding motion by re-establishing the natural space between the teeth, but it also works to protect the teeth from grating when your jaw clenches. There are commercial and custom night guards available, and a dentist can help you select the right product for your specific needs.

How Can You Reduce Stress?

Limiting your stress can help reduce teeth grinding. To alleviate stress, block out three to five times a week where you can walk, run, or bike. Physical activity helps to reduce anxiety and loosen the muscles. Additionally, end the day by reading a book, watching a humorous television show, or relaxing in a hot bath.

If you are noticing the effects of stress on your dental health and want to learn more about getting a night guard, contact Premier Dental in Laurel County, KY. With more than 30 years of experience in general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services, their dentists provide care to the entire family. To learn more about this dental practice, visit them online or call (606) 877-3002.