Bruxism is a common condition—affecting 10% of adults and 15% of adolescents. With the high prevalence of this issue, dentists have come up with a range of treatments to reduce the impacts of teeth grinding and help fight the habit altogether. If you’ve noticed your jaw feeling tense or sore when waking up in the morning, explore this condition further in the guide below.

How Does Stress Cause Teeth Grinding?

Stress can cause teeth grinding because it activates the body's fight or flight response. This response causes the body to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase muscle tension. When the muscles in your jaw are tense, they can cause you to clench your teeth together, leading to teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding can also cause other oral issues, such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Worn down teeth
• Jaw pain and headaches

How Can You Reduce Stress?

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health since it releases endorphins that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can also help reduce the tension in your body. If you have jaw pain or headaches, massage or physical therapy might help relieve your symptoms.

A dentist can recommend a mouthguard that can help to protect your teeth from damage. A mouthguard is a custom-made device that fits over your teeth and helps to absorb the pressure caused by grinding.

A dentist can also help to treat any oral issues that have resulted from teeth grinding. For example, if you have cracked or chipped teeth, a dentist can repair them with dental bonding or veneers. 

If you need help building a solid foundation for your oral health, talk to the dentists at The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry PLLC in Whitefish and Kalispell, MT. With a broad range of dental care services and a team of reputable professionals, they have everything needed to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Visit their website to learn more about what they do. Call (406) 862-1010 for their Whitefish location or (406) 730-1010 for Kalispell.