Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Smile

Many people overlook the impact that stress can put on the body until they run smack into a wall. While it may be tempting to think that stress only affects higher-ups in corporate America, 2020 has proven that everyone can suffer from the negative effects of stress.

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure. The body reacts to stress with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Insomnia, weight gain, hormonal imbalances, loss of appetite, and mood swings are all normal responses to stress. Another response that dentists have found prominent throughout this year is bruxism.

Bruxism, known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which people grind or clench their teeth. Most people suffer from this condition at night, but some also grind their teeth while awake without even knowing it. Either way, teeth grinding is a serious issue that can damage your smile. The teeth are surrounded by a hard, protective coating called enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it is not indestructible. When people grind their teeth, they are putting enormous pressure on the teeth. After a while, the tooth enamel will begin to wear down and leave the teeth susceptible to decay and extensive damage.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

• Waking up with headaches
• Tired, tight, or sore jaw muscles
• Sleep disruption
• Ear pain
• Teeth that are flattened
• Worn tooth enamel that exposes the inner layers of the teeth

Stress is the main contributing factor for those who grind their teeth. The body needs a way to release the stress that it is under and that often occurs at night when your mind is at rest.

Don’t let stress ruin your smile. If you suffer from teeth grinding, >contact Buford Family Dental today to schedule an appointment.