Is the "daily grind" getting to you - or maybe to your teeth? Stress is one of many causes of teeth grinding, also known as "bruxism."
Clenching, gnashing, or grinding your teeth is a common involuntary reaction to anger, fear, or stress. Most people likely do this unconsciously from time to time without problems. Done only occasionally, it usually does not cause any harm. If done regularly, however, teeth can become damaged and other oral health complications can arise.
Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress, intense concentration, or situational anxiety, it may also be caused by an abnormal alignment of the jaw or teeth, missing or crooked teeth, or even by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
Many people are unaware they have an issue because it often occurs during sleep. A sore jaw, ear or tooth pain, or a dull, constant headache can be indicators of bruxism. Talk with your physician and/or dentist who can work together to help you alleviate these issues before they can cause excessive wear, fracturing, loosening, or even loss of teeth. Severe grinding may even result in TMD or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders), which can also be addressed by your dentist or physician. If you are the one who is facing this issue, then Macon TMJ treatment is one of the best treatments you can go for.
While eliminating all stress can be an impossible task, taking steps to reduce and manage stress may help decrease teeth grinding. Mouthpieces or medications may also help reduce painful bruxism, but the best treatment will actually vary based on the individual. For this reason, treatment should always be overseen by a doctor or dentist who can explain the positives and negatives of various therapies for your specific situation.
So, “mind the grind,” and talk with your health professional today for relief you may not even realize you need. You can even google search for the keyword “TMJ macon” and look for MaconSmiles to connect with us.
–– Dr. Sheila Shah, DMD, LLC, offers Laser, Cosmetic, and General Dentistry at MaconSmiles, located in Macon, GA. She is a 1995 graduate of The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and is committed to staying on the cutting edge of advancements in the field of dentistry. To schedule a complimentary dental consultation with Dr. Shah, you may contact her via www.MaconSmiles.com.