Your work obligations seem never-ending, and sometimes it feels like it’s too much to handle. You’re burned out and need a break, but there just doesn’t seem to be time to relax. The stress of work, family obligations, and raising your children can be overwhelming at times, and you’ve noticed that you’re waking up with a sore jaw.
If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone. According to the American Dental Association, dentists are seeing more patients with stress-related oral health concerns.
Signs of Burnout and Stress
Your mouth will let you know when you’re stressed out.
Here are some of the signs of burnout and stress:
- Bruxism — When you feel stressed, you are prone to clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, often without realizing it.
- Tooth damage — Bruxism can lead to broken, cracked, or chipped teeth.
- TMJ pain — When you clench your jaw, it can lead to sore jaw muscles, headaches, and neck tension.
What Causes These Issues?
Identifying the causes of clenching and grinding can go a long way toward alleviating and treating your symptoms.
Some of the most common causes we see in our dental office include:
- Psychological factors — Anxiety and stress top the list as the most common reasons you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth. You can practice stress reduction techniques or wear a custom mouthguard to alleviate these symptoms.
- Sleep issues — If you have sleep apnea, or your partner says that you snore, you could be more prone to nighttime bruxism. A custom mouthguard could be the solution you need.
- Dental issues — Misaligned or missing teeth can affect your bite, causing bruxism or clenching. We can customize a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
- Lifestyle choices — Excessive caffeine consumption, too much alcohol, and smoking can cause you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
Want to Learn More About Bruxism in Greeley, CO?
If you’ve noticed that you’re grinding your teeth, and you’d like to learn about your treatment options, feel free to reach out to us. At Bagley Family Dental, we understand how stress affects your oral and overall health, and we want to help!
Please get in touch with our dental office at (970) 353-5664 for more information or to schedule an appointment.