Stress and Bruxism

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Bruxism Awareness week begins today and both dentists and the founders of the Saving Teeth Awareness Campaign are hoping that people will begin to recognise the dangers of Bruxism to their dental health.

Bruxism affects around 8-10% of the UK population and involves intense clenching and grinding of the teeth, often caused by stress. This extra pressure on the teeth can often lead to extensive wear, cracks and fractures and can greatly degenerate a person’s oral health.

Dr Julian Webber, an expert endodontic, urges people to consider the damage their Bruxism could cause: “Once a tooth has suffered decay and been filled, further deterioration over time is likely. Furthermore, when a tooth is cracked, or fractured, it is susceptible for pulpal inflammation. If the pulp becomes infected, a root canal treatment may ultimately be required.

If you add stress into the mix and have people with filled teeth, clenching and grinding, they can develop a range of problems in their teeth and jaws. I can generally tell the patients who are stressed just by looking into their mouths.”

Bruxism can also cause further pain by straining the jaw muscles, which can often lead to further conditions, such as TMJ.

Dr Webber and other dental practitioners are urging patients who know they are suffering from Bruxism to visit their dentist to find treatment or protective devices to stop further pressure being placed on their teeth.

 

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