The holiday season is approaching and with all the festivities comes added stress.This stress can sometimes create a little extra teeth grinding at night or jaw clenching during the night or day. You may notice tired or tight jaw muscles; a dull headache originating from the temples; increased tooth sensitivity; jaw or face pain; and pain that could feel like an ear ache (though the problem is not actually in the ear). Your partner may hear grinding at night so loud it is actually disruptive, there could be indentations on your tongue or marks and punctures on the inside of your cheeks, and, sadly, tooth damage that could including flattening of the tooth or teeth, fractures, and chipped or loose teeth.
Managing your stress is tremendously important. Finding ways to de-stress could mean increasing your exercise routine; adding in some yoga; getting regular massage or acupuncture; listening to guided meditations; or investing in a mediation read could all be extremely helpful. A mouth guard fitted by your dentist is also a good way to preserve your teeth from the damage of teeth grinding at night.
Finding ways to de-stress is important for your overall health. Teeth grinding and clenching can just be one sign of being over-stressed. Take care of yourself this holiday season so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Live healthy and be healthy.
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
