Do you grind your teeth when you’re stressed?
Do you grind your teeth when you’re stressed? If you find yourself grinding your teeth when you’re stressed or feeling anxious, you might be experiencing bruxism.
The current times are particularly challenging for our mental health, and it’s natural for people to feel more anxious during this phase.
Stress and anxiety are risk factors associated with bruxism. You may notice an increase in teeth grinding or clenching episodes during these days, especially if you are more susceptible to these factors, whether during sleep or while awake.
WHAT IS BRUXISM?
Bruxism involves heightened intensity and frequency of activity in the chewing muscles.
It’s a condition characterized by unconscious and involuntary contraction of the chewing muscles, leading to teeth clenching or grinding, or muscular contraction without teeth contact.
HOW CAN I CONTROL BRUXISM?
Besides, bruxism does not have a definitive cure, and there isn’t a single identifiable cause that can be eliminated to stop the behavior.
In addition, treatment typically involves several phases, including awareness-building, evaluation for underlying health conditions, understanding the connection with sleep disorders, and other concurrent diseases.
Despite, initial intervention should be guided by a dentist, focusing initially on minimally invasive and reversible techniques such as occlusal splints and behavioral therapy. This may be complemented by other medical specialties working together, including physiotherapy and psychotherapy, among others.
In conclusion, adopting relaxation routines can help reduce anxiety and manage bruxism.
HERE ARE 5 TIPS TO RELAX:
- Take a warm bath before bedtime.
- Listen to calming music.
- Read a book.
- Practice muscle relaxation exercises.
- Try breathing exercises.
Lastly, if you have children or adolescents at home who may be experiencing similar issues, talk to them to understand their fears and anxieties, and help them cope with their problems.
