B RUXISM AND S TRESS Chelsea Eckel

W HAT IS B RUXISM ? It is when you clench or grind your teeth. Hold the top and bottom teeth tightly together or slide them back and forth over each other. Clenching your teeth puts pressure on the muscles, tissues and other structures around your jaw. Grinding can also wear down your teeth Many people are not aware that they do this Some people only grind their teeth at night which is called “nocturnal bruxism” or “sleep-related bruxism”. Others during the day

B RUXISM AND S TRESS Any one can have bruxism even young children who are under stress. People with work related stress and irregular work shifts may also get bruxism. Personality traits are concerning causes of bruxism. Aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality types. Suppressed anger or frustration can be contribute to bruxism. Stressful periods such as examinations, family grief, marriage or moving have been suggested to intensify bruxism.

B RUXISM AND S TRESS Mental disorders, anxiety, stress and adverse psychosocial factors are significantly related to tooth grinding during sleep and it has been found that nearly 70% of bruxism occurs as a result of stress or anxiety.

S IGNS AND S YMPTOMS Excessive tooth wear Tooth fractures Hypersensitive teeth – pain when drinking cold liquids Grinding or tapping noise during sleep Cheek biting

Burning sensation on the tongue Increase size of the muscles that move the jaw Tenderness or pain of the muscles of mastication Clicking of the mandible joints Pain or headaches in the temples S IGNS AND S YMPTOMS

T HE B RUXISM A SSOCIATION A study found shows that shift workers who suffered stress due to dissatisfaction with their shift-work schedule were more susceptible to bruxism than those who were satisfied and not stressed. The men in this study demonstrated high levels of job stress, depressive symptoms and bruxism whereas none of these symptoms were significant for the women. These symptoms were particularly evident in male workers who experienced low social support from supervisors or colleagues.

T REATMENTS There are mouth guards, medications, splints and mandibular advancement devices that can help with bruxism. Also relaxing and modifying daytime behavior is enough to reduce bruxism. Other treatments a person can do: Biofeedback devices Self hypnosis Meditation Yoga Deep breathing Massage

O THER C AUSES OF B RUXISM Each person is different but these could also be other causes of bruxism How long and tightly you clench and grind Whether your teeth are misaligned Your posture Your ability to relax Your diet Your sleeping habits

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