Stress Taking A Toll On Your Teeth

Stress has been blamed for a number of human ailments ranging from the cosmetic (hair loss, acne, wrinkles) to the deadly-high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. But what if someone told you that chronic stress is destroying your pearly whites?

The idea is not as far fetched as it sounds. Today we can compare our life style be no less than a furnace operating on a high pressure. This has taken a toll over many of us. One of the most important aspect that our pressure cooked lifestyle has taken a toll our on our teeth in the nights, says Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentists , Dr. Peter Young who specializes in invisalign, braces, crowns, veneers, whitening, implants and dentures

What is Bruxism

While many experts believe that genetics may play a vital role in bruxism (medical term for teeth grinding) stress has been known to set off grinding and clenching in some people, says Dr Peter Young DDS, FAGD. “So while teeth grinding looks like a dental problem, its origins lie in the central nervous system.”

Although bruxism may appear benign- at best a nuisance for the listener, and at worst, an embarrassment (for the sufferer) – it can trigger a host of serious problems, not all of them dental.

The condition affects not only the teeth, but the entire craniofacial structure. And because it is a subconscious muscle activity-that is, it happens while the person is sleeping-he or she has no real control over it. Most people who grind without realizing it, until a symptom such as fragmented tooth or facial soreness occurs.

Stress, whether it is real or perceived, causes flight-or-fight hormones to release in the body. Those released stress hormones mobilize energy, causing muscle movement. “Anger, frustration, depression, aggressiveness- all these emotions can trigger teeth grinding, “says Dr. Peter Young, which makes bruxism a highly under-diagnosed health condition.

In one of the articles we read over the internet it said som nocturnal grinders will grind up to 40 minutes of every hour of sleep. The relentless wear and tear can quickly erode the enamel (10 times faster than that of non-grinders), fracture teeth, affect bite. Normally, we exert about 20 to 30 pound per square inch on our back molars when we chew. A study showed that teeth grinders at night can exert upto 200 pounds per square inch on their teeth which is an enormous amount.

“Enamel is a pretty tough substance, but even the acts of chewing and biting can wear it down. Prolonged teeth grinding adds further distress,” warns cosmetic dentists in los angeles, Dr Peter Young DDS FAGD. Chipped teeth, receding gumlines and tooth sensitivity are typical dental dangers.

But bruxism can also damage the tempormandibular joint at the hinge of the jaw, and the masseter muscles (the largest in the head) which controls the jaws. Jaw and face pain, ear aches, tinnitus and headaches(migraine, sinus) may occur as a result. What’s more, grinding is like body building. The constant workout of the masseter muscle builds up that muscle and makes the face appear more square.

People suffering from mild bruxism can also suffer from loss of sleep. Many perspire heavily and exhibit symptoms of physical and emotional stress.

Top3dentists can help you finding a specialist who can help you remove this issue either through veneer of night guards. You can either visit our free resource to find a dentists or call us at 1-800-734-2357