Do you feel stressed during the holidays? Are you counted on to take care of activities, plan gatherings, and generally be the go-to person for everyone else? Holiday stress and teeth grinding (bruxism) may go hand in hand.
However, teeth grinding and clenching are serious issues with significant consequences. Because teeth grinding often happens during sleep, you may not know you’re doing it, but there are signs, including:
- Waking up with sore jaws and jaw joints
- Tooth pain and even fractures
- Head, neck, and shoulder discomfort
- Exaggerated musculature in front of the ears
You’ll likely not have every symptom because bruxism complications tend to worsen over time. Fortunately, your Winston-Salem dentist can diagnose and help treat bruxism early.
Bruxism and Your Health
Your dentist can spot the telltale signs of bruxism, even in its early stages. So, if you suspect nighttime teeth grinding, scheduling a consultation or speaking with the dentist is vital.
Of course, the holidays can be stressful, and stress can cause bruxism. Other potential culprits include:
- Overuse of alcohol
- Drug use
- General anxiety
- Night terrors
- Orthodontic issues
Without treatment, bruxism can impact life quality and lead to tooth loss and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).
TMJ means the jaw joints in front of the ears are malfunctioning. If you have TMJ, you may notice a clicking sound in the joints when you yawn, painful chewing, and head, neck, and shoulder pain.
Bruxism Treatment in Winston-Salem
Bruxism treatment is like TMJ therapy. Your dentist may recommend physical therapy, general emotional therapy, a special nightguard worn over the teeth, a bite adjustment, or even combination treatment.
The first step is your consultation and diagnosis. The consult explores how advanced your bruxism or TMJ is, which allows us to put together a treatment plan. We also answer your questions and discuss the options.
To Schedule a Consultation, Contact Our Dental Team
The holidays can be stressful, so we want to ensure your smile is healthy and functional this season. Call us today at (336) 760-1277 to get started or if you have questions.