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Did you know that stress and anxiety cause teeth grinding and clenching? This is called bruxism, a condition that can lead to painful, worn down and broken teeth and jaw, neck and head pain, making it crucial to see your Dentist if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

If teeth grinding occurs during sleep, it is called sleep bruxism.

What are some symptoms of tooth clenching and grinding that I need to look out for?

– Headache, earache or facial pain.

– Jaw, neck or back muscle tenderness or pain, especially in the morning.

– Hot, cold or sweet sensitivity in teeth.

– Difficulty sleeping, including for your sleeping partner since teeth grinding can be very noisy.

– Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose

– Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth

– Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely

– Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear

– Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

When To See A Dentist

See your dentist or doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above or have other concerns about your teeth or jaw. Treatment is usually focused on protecting your teeth and jaws with night guards.

If you are grinding and clenching during the day, you may be able to kick the teeth-clenching habit. Here are some things to ease the pain and damage to your teeth while breaking the cycle:

– Relax face and jaw muscles. Practicing this throughout the day can help create a habit of relaxing instead of tightening these muscles. – Reduce stress. Everything from eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and getting regular exercise to spending time with people you enjoy can help. – Lips together, teeth apart. Remember your teeth don’t normally touch in normal function. – Most importantly, tell your dentist. To protect your teeth, he or she may suggest a mouth guard or splint appliance. There are different types depending on individual needs.