How Stress and Anxiety Contribute to Teeth Grinding

Stress and anxiety affect more than just your mental wellbeing—they can also impact your oral health. One common condition linked to these issues is teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. At Islington Green Dental Practice, we often see patients who are unaware they grind their teeth until symptoms such as jaw pain or worn teeth become noticeable.

The Link Between Stress, Anxiety, and Bruxism

When you’re stressed or anxious, your body tends to remain in a heightened state of tension. This can cause you to clench your jaw or grind your teeth, often without realising it, especially at night. Over time, this repeated action puts excessive pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles.

This habit, known as bruxism, can cause significant dental issues if left untreated. The constant force can wear down enamel, increase tooth sensitivity, and even lead to chipped or fractured teeth. Patients may also experience headaches, earaches, and ongoing jaw discomfort.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Your Teeth

Since teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, many people don’t recognise the problem until symptoms develop. Common signs include:

• Persistent jaw pain or stiffness in the morning
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
• Tooth sensitivity or visible wear on teeth
• Disturbed sleep for you or your partner (due to grinding noises)

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional advice to prevent long-term damage.

Bruxism Treatment at Islington Green Dental

At Islington Green Dental Practice, we provide effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Our bruxism treatment options include:

• Custom-Made Night Guards: A protective appliance worn at night to cushion your teeth and reduce grinding.
• BOTOX®: Botox injections can relax overactive jaw muscles, easing pressure and helping with severe jaw pain or TMJ disorders.
• Bite Adjustments: Correcting bite misalignment to reduce strain on teeth and muscles.
• TMJ Therapy: Focused treatments to relieve jaw discomfort and improve jaw function.

These treatments not only reduce grinding but also protect your teeth and ease pain linked to bruxism.

Why Seek Help Early?

Ignoring teeth grinding can lead to long-term dental and health complications. Early intervention prevents irreversible tooth damage and provides relief from constant discomfort. Whether your bruxism is stress-related or linked to other factors, our team at Islington Green Dental Practice is here to guide you toward the right solution.

At Islington Green Dental Practice, our aim is to protect your oral health and ease the strain caused by bruxism. If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain or suspect you grind your teeth, don’t wait until the damage worsens.