We’re still moving through uncertain and trying times, and one thing is sure: Stress often causes us to grind our teeth.
Think about it. Kids going to school at home. Adults working from home. Economic and food insecurity. An uneven process for signing up for coronavirus vaccines. Endless uncertainty.
Yes, this can cause a person to grit and grind their teeth while awake or asleep.
Many dental patients have had rubber or acrylic mouth guards or bite guards made as a way to alleviate this problem. Princeton Prosthodontics and Dental Implants has a few thoughts for patients with bruxism, the technical term for the grinding of teeth.
- If you go to bed at night still upset and stressing over the day’s events (or because of concerns about what lies ahead), you’re setting yourself up to brux (yes, that’s the verb). Why? Worry leads to poor sleep patterns and bruxism. Try to chill before bed. No screens, no TV, for an hour before the lights go out. Talk to a counselor or therapist about mitigating stress.
- Be careful with mouth guards. While some help with severe pressure on the teeth, it’s important to know that some of the science now considers bruxism a normal behavior that simply needs to be managed.
Come pay us a visit. We can help with your dental needs and you will then get a great night’s sleep while preserving your oral health.