The diseases associated with stress reach the teeth. Have you heard of talking about Bruxism? Here we tell you what it is and how to combat this condition that, among other things, can cause headaches, insomnia and problems in the jaw joint.
So much stress can affect the body that you can even feel it in your teeth. How can it be?
Surely your muscles and bones will begin to hurt and wear more than normal. The same happens in your mouth when you have bruxism, a condition that is characterized by squeezing teeth or grinding them from one side to the other without you noticing. It is a condition linked to stress (in adults, since in children it is usually related to growth and disappears before changing to their final teeth).
Many people squeeze and grind their teeth from time to time, and that does not necessarily cause them a health problem. But when this is done constantly and not fought, over time can cause symptoms such as:
- Headaches.
- Sensitivity in teeth to cold, hot or sweet things.
- Pain and wear of the teeth, which in the long term can lose the enamel, itch (develop caries), break and loosen. In some cases, you may even lose them!
Wear of the gums
Pain and inflammation of the jaw when you press too much on your muscles and tissues. Over time they can lead to problems of the temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ), that is, problems to properly open the jaw, either to eat or simply to speak or yawn.
Pain in the face and / or in the ears (the latter, due in part to the fact that the structures of the TMJ are very close to the external auditory canal).
How can you tell if you have bruxism? Take note of the following keys to detect if you have this condition:
- Ask yourself if you have trouble opening your mouth when you wake up or if you hear a clicking sound? When you open your mouth for the first time in the morning. If so, it can be bruxism.
- Think about whether you often feel tooth, jaw, head or ear pain, especially on waking mornings. If so, you may be doing pressure during the night without realizing it.
- If you have noticed or someone has told you that your teeth have signs of wear, you may be grinding them without realizing it.
If you feel that your ears are covered or you hear a buzzing in one or both ears, it may not be a hearing problem but a sequel that you are clenching your teeth at night.
To confirm, ask your partner if you make noise with your teeth at night.
Also, remember that the best way to find out if you are squeezing or grinding your teeth at the least expected time is to try to be aware that you are doing it: for example, when you are writing in front of the computer, driving your car or walking.
Now, suppose that after putting these suggestions into practice you have discovered that you may have bruxism. What can you do then? First of all, do not despair or increase your tension due to this, since there are different treatments to treat it.
In general, the dentist (dentist) will tell you to wear a plaque or keep it while you sleep. There are different types and, in general, they are sent to make the exact measurement of your mouth. I could also recommend that you do some exercises and physical therapy.
Also, other practices that can help reduce or control bruxism are:
- Learn to relax the muscles of the face and jaw throughout the day.
- Do not bite pencils, pencils or anything that is not food. Also, do not eat chewing gum all the time.
- It limits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, since these substances can help make bruxism worse.
- Avoid eating hard foods like nuts, candy or steak.
- Drink enough water and sleep well (7 to 9 hours per night).
- Try to reduce stress. Any strategy that helps you will be useful, whether reading, exercising, and listening to music or practicing yoga or breathing techniques.
- If you have pain, you can get cold or local heat (for 10 or 15 minutes) to relieve sore muscles.
- If the discomfort does not stop or you have doubts about this topic, do not forget to consult a specialist who can indicate the most appropriate treatment for you. Do not let stress affect your teeth.