Keeping a healthy smile
Routine visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings (up to twice a year) are an important step to a healthy smile. Your dentist helps to keep your teeth in good shape and can watch for other health issues like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Remember it’s also important for kids to see a dentist on a regular basis, too.
The past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, including stress and anxiety. Did you know that stress and anxiety can cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw? This is called bruxism, and typically happens while you sleep so you might not know you even do it. And people who drink alcohol and smoke are almost twice as likely to grind their teeth. Some symptoms of teeth grinding include:
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Dull headaches
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Sore jaw
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Loose or painful teeth
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Fractured teeth
The good news is that your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. If stress is the reason you’re grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, you may also need to find some ways to relax. Exercise, meditation and therapy can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
For more helpful dental tips for you and your family, visit the American Dental Association website. |