As 2022 came to a close, an alarming 37% of Americans rated their mental health as fair or poor. What’s more, approximately 72% experienced additional health impacts due to stress, including overwhelming feelings, disrupted sleep, and constant worry. These statistics highlight a growing trend, underscoring the havoc stress can wreak on the body. One oral health concern frequently linked to stress is bruxism—the clenching and grinding of teeth.

Managing stress isn’t just about mental well-being; it’s vital for maintaining dental health. The correlation between stress and bruxism is undeniable, as stress-induced clenching and grinding can cause dental issues. By effectively managing stress, you can alleviate bruxism symptoms and safeguard your teeth. Explore five strategies to untangle the stress-bruxism connection, embracing a path towards both mental relief and oral wellness.

Get bruxism under control by managing your stress. 

Over time, bruxism can cause chaos for your teeth and jaw. It’s no small matter—teeth grinding and clenching can lead to cracks, loosening, and even tooth loss. Ignoring these signs can escalate into serious dental issues. The root cause? Stress. The top stressors, including financial problems, work, personal relationships, parenting, and daily life’s hustle, put you at risk for mental and physical health problems like, anxiety, depression, headaches, and heart disease.

Stress isn’t just in your mind; it takes a toll on your body, making you prone to a host of issues. Reducing stress isn’t just important for overall health—it’s critical for your oral well-being too. The more stressed you are, the likelier bruxism becomes, especially during sleep. Taking steps to manage stress not only benefits your mind but also shields your teeth and jaw from the damaging effects of bruxism.

1. Consult your dentist to get a custom nightguard. 

To shield your teeth from the detrimental effects of bruxism, a nightguard can be highly effective. These custom-fitted guards, obtained through your dentist at Valley Dental Clinic, create a protective barrier that cushions teeth and reduces the impact of grinding and clenching. 

During a dental visit, impressions are taken to create a nightguard tailored to your bite. This personalized approach ensures a snug fit that prevents teeth from grinding against each other, reducing the risk of damage. A professionally designed nightguard not only safeguards your smile but also promotes better sleep and overall dental health.

2. Train Yourself Away from Bad Habits

Unknowingly, common daytime habits can intensify bruxism. Chewing gum, nail-biting, and clenching teeth are culprits that aggravate the issue. To curb these habits:

• Stress balls: Channel nervous energy by squeezing stress balls.
• Jaw relaxation: Regularly practice gentle jaw relaxation exercises. For example, to alleviate jaw tension, follow these steps: Gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth, right behind your upper front teeth. Relax your jaw muscles, allowing your teeth to separate naturally. Find a comfortable mouth-opening size and repeat this process regularly to help relax your jaw and reduce the chances of teeth grinding and clenching.
• Posture: Maintain proper posture to alleviate jaw tension. Check out this video with example exercises to help.

Breaking these habits requires conscious effort and commitment. Over time, these strategies can reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, enhancing your oral health and overall well-being.

3. Incorporate Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is a potent weapon against stress and its effects, including bruxism symptoms. Surprisingly, only 17% of adults exercise daily, even though physical activity has profound mental (and physical) health benefits. A notable 53% feel better about themselves after exercising, with 35% of people saying exercise improves their moods and 30% saying they feel less stressed after working out.

Engaging in aerobic exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices can alleviate stress and consequently curb bruxism. Harvard Health advocates nearly daily exercise, suggesting 30 to 40 minutes of moderate activity like walking or 15 to 20 minutes of vigorous exercise. The key is consistent movement. Whether it’s a gym session or a simple stroll, incorporating exercise into your routine can remarkably diminish stress-related bruxism symptoms and improve overall well-being.

4. Practice Self-Care to Reduce Stress

Self-care is more than just a buzzword. It’s a crucial tool for stress management and bruxism relief. Prioritizing your well-being not only combats stress but can also alleviate its oral effects. With the help of practices like getting ample sleep, embracing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, and engaging in hobbies, you can shield yourself from the grip of stress.

Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla recommends self-care as a powerful strategy for both mental and oral health. By consciously incorporating activities that foster relaxation and enjoyment into your routine, you fortify your defenses against stress-related bruxism. Remember, carving out time for self-nurturing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity to preserve your overall health and cultivate a serene mind and a vibrant smile.

5. Maintain Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental visits are critical in the monitoring and management of bruxism. Valley Dental Clinic’s team specializes in general dentistry and can offer vital insights into the severity of bruxism. 

Regular checkups allow our professionals to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jaw, detecting signs of clenching and grinding early on. By identifying these issues promptly, we can recommend suitable treatments to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage. 

Whether it’s a custom nightguard, stress management strategies, or other interventions, our team ensures that your oral health remains a top priority. With regular dental checkups, you can take proactive steps towards managing bruxism and maintaining a healthy, radiant smile.

The Bottom Line: Take the Appropriate Steps to Manage Bruxism

By incorporating self-care, exercise, and expert guidance from Valley Dental Clinic’s team, you can unravel the connection between stress and teeth grinding. Prioritizing your well-being not only alleviates bruxism but fosters overall health. 

Don’t let stress compromise your smile—take the proactive step of seeking professional assistance. Request an appointment with Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla, Alaska, and let us help you regain control over your oral health and find relief from bruxism symptoms.