How Bruxism, teeth grinding, from stress can impact your dental health

COLUMBUS, OH – We keep learning more about the negative effects that stress has on our physical health.  But did you know that stress also takes a toll on your teeth?  Dr. Jennifer Ashton, medical correspondent,  discussed this matter on the CBS Early Show.  All across the country dental offices are seeing more and more people abnormally grinding their teeth.

Grinding the teeth in this manner is called Bruxism.  Dr. Ashton explained how teeth grinding can do more than just damage the teeth – it can also affect the muscles surrounding the head and neck which leads to other problems including temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ, for short.

Typically patients do not even know they are grinding their teeth.  Many times their spouse complains about the grinding noise at night and that is how the problem is discovered.  You may be grinding if you have these symptoms:

• Unusual headaches, especially in the morning
• Tooth sensitivity
• Facial pain
• Jaw joint pain
• Biting the inside of your cheek

The New York Times reported that an increase of 20-25% in bruxism has been seen in a dental practice they surveyed.

Protecting your teeth and jaw joint from TMJ and other damage caused by bruxism calls for a visit to your neuromuscular dentist.  While Dr. Levy can’t get rid of the stress in your life, he can create a custom orthotic appliance that will save your teeth, jaw joints and muscles from further damage and allow them to heal.

Protect your teeth and overall health by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Levy to discuss your dental health needs.  In the Columbus, Ohio area contact us at 614-454-3488.