NewsletterThe following blog post is authored by Dr. Joseph Tesene, DDS, Aspen Dental office, Des Moines, IA
According to the survey, Stress in America™: Missing the Health Care Connection (by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults with high stress say their stress has increased in the past year. According to the survey, more than half of Americans say they receive little or no support for stress management from their health care providers.
Quite often, I see patients who suffer from teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism. While most people experience mild cases of teeth grinding – which typically includes jaw clenching –in other cases, bruxism during sleep can be serious and may cause other health issues.
Why can’t I sleep through the night? What can I do about it?
Studies have shown that teeth grinding is a major indicator for obstructive sleep apnea (a chronic condition that disrupts your sleep) – and your dentist can help you uncover it. According to a recent article on CNN Health:
The simple dental health screening that can improve the quality of your sleep and — because almost everything boils down to a good night’s sleep — even save your life, begins with asking your dentist, “Do I grind my teeth?”
Whether patients are stressed due to financial hardships, personal or job-related pressures, a trip to the dentist for a screening may help detect reasons they have trouble sleeping through the night. Do you have earaches, sensitive teeth, jaw soreness or constant headaches? Don’t forget to mention these symptoms during your next dental visit so that your dentist can examine your jaw for signs such as flattened teeth. In severe cases, teeth grinding may loosen or fracture the teeth, sometimes resulting in tooth loss or hearing loss.
If I am grinding my teeth, what can be done about it?
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to wear while you sleep, to protect your teeth from the grinding motion of your jaws. A dental visit might also be a good opportunity to find out how to reduce stress and get tips to help stop teeth grinding, such as relaxing before going to bed, and cutting back on drinks that contain caffeine.
If you think you have symptoms of teeth grinding, I encourage you to ask your dentist about it on your next visit!
