There are plenty of reasons for people in our community to feel elevated stress levels. Your Baxter, MN, dentist knows that stress is often linked to a higher risk of bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding. But what can you do to limit your risk of bruxism, and how do you know if you need to seek treatment for teeth grinding or damaged teeth?
The Causes of Bruxism
What causes us to begin grinding our teeth? A number of factors could lead to bruxism, including tooth loss, bite imbalance or dental misalignment, untreated TMJ disorder, or even an injury to our jaw or face. However, one of the more common factors is higher levels of stress. The danger of teeth grinding is that the pressure from grinding and clenching your teeth could place pressure on the outer enamel, wearing away this preventive layer or even cracking and chipping the teeth. The worn enamel and damaged structure could then expose the inner tissues to bacteria, allowing painful cavities and infection to arise that threatens the stability of your smile.
Tips for Healthier Smiles
If you begin to notice headaches, migraines, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and pain in your jaw or face, please let us know. We will discuss ways to manage the issue from home until we can see you for treatment. For example, cutting back on caffeinated products has been shown to be beneficial, as is avoiding hard or chewy foods, as the actions ended to consume them could exacerbate symptoms. If you feel tension in your jaw, use a warm washcloth against the side of your face to ease discomfort. To lower stress levels, try breathing exercises, taking frequent breaks during the day, creating a schedule so you can better manage your tasks, or even taking a walk (while practicing social distancing protocols of course).
When to Seek Emergency Treatment
Our team still provides emergency treatment if you break or crack a tooth, and also if you experience persistent pain, as this could indicate an advanced cavity or infection that needs immediate attention. If you need to see us for treatment, we will make sure you have the waiting room to yourself, and our team cleans and disinfects surfaces in between each visit. Well be wearing masks and gloves, and following other strict health and safety measures. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Greenhaven Family Dental Provides General Dentistry
Greenhaven Family Dental wants to make sure you know how to avoid issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and even bruxism. If you’d like to learn more about protecting your smile’s health and stability, you can contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.