Albertville, AL
Why is it that it seems as if daily life just gets more and more stressful? Working, taking care of children and pets, helping elderly family members … it all adds up and can make you push your body and mind to the limits on a daily basis. We all know about the potential health risks that can be associated with stress, but did you know that stress also can have a negative impact on your oral health? We explore this topic today on the blog.
Stress is the most common cause of bruxism
That’s bruxism, as in the clinical term for teeth clenching and grinding. Many people with bruxism engage in the habit without realizing it, because they grind their teeth at night while they sleep. If you wake up with mysterious tooth pain, tender jaws or frequent headaches, then you could be suffering from bruxism. This condition exposes your teeth to extreme amounts of additional force, causing excessive tooth wear. The Sleep Foundation estimates that bruxism affects 15% of adolescents, 8% of middle-aged adults and 3% of older Americans. Moreover, up to 10% of all patients with bruxism may see their teeth worn down to the nubs.
Reduce your stress and lower your risk of bruxism
Finding ways to cope with your stress is important.
Follow these tips to try and reduce your stress level:
- Getting enough sleep: This is so important to maintaining a healthy mind and body. If you get the proper amount of restful sleep each night, you will feel better and have more energy.
- Exercise: At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood, boost your energy and helps to strengthen your muscles and your cardiovascular system.
- Eat right: A balanced diet is a cornerstone of good overall health, which will help your body be better equipped to manage stress when it occurs. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to whole grains. Packing healthy snacks will reduce the temptation you end up buying an unhealthy snack at a drive-thru, convenience store or vending machine.
- Make time for fun: Yes, life can be stressful, but be sure to schedule some time for things you enjoy. Whatever you may choose, these fun activities with friends and family are a great way to blow off stress.
- Talk to someone: Internalizing stress is one of the worst decisions you can make. If you are having a hard time managing stress despite taking some of the steps above, consider seeking the guidance of a professional therapist or counselor.
Treating bruxism in Albertville, Boaz and Guntersville in Alabama
If you are grinding your teeth, you need to stop the behavior as soon as possible. Using the above methods will reduce stress, but they take time. Take steps to protect your teeth and mouth from further damage by receiving a professional-grade mouth guard from the oral health professionals at Wall Street Dentistry. These guards are made of top-quality materials, and fabricated from digital impressions of your mouth to make the fit as comfortable, snug and secure as it can be. To learn more about how we use mouth guards to treat bruxism, call (256) 878-0525 or contact us online.
