Stress is a prevalent issue that affects us all at some point in our lives. At high levels, stress can have severe repercussions on our health, including our dental health. Studies show that chronic stress has harmful consequences for teeth, such as clenching.

Have you ever noticed that when you’re stressed, your teeth ache? For many, the symptoms of stress are teeth grinding or pressure exerted by clenching the jaw. Over time, this pressure leads to irreversible wear of tooth enamel, which can increase tooth sensitivity. Tooth clenching can also lead to temporomandibular joint problems. Difficulty opening and closing the mouth, jaw locking, headaches and even neck pain can all be negative effects of stress. In severe cases, a tooth may fracture under the pressure of clenching and require an extraction.

At your follow-up appointment with your dentist, he or she can detect the first signs of clenching or grinding, allowing a solution to be found before the problem becomes too serious. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a night guard, which is a transparent mouthpiece, to protect your teeth from the pressure caused by your jaw movements. Don’t hesitate to ask our dentists any questions you may have. They’re there for you!