One
of the most common things I see in patients in my practice is the presence of
clenching. Clenching is a subconscious habit that has a direct correlation to
stress. The
constant action of pressing the upper and lower teeth together produces
consequences.
Initially,
one or several teeth will become sensitive to cold and sometimes hot to items (foods, liquids). The affected
areas will move and sometimes even disappear. Prolonged clenching can cause
micro fractures on teeth which can lead to parts of teeth breaking to involving
the nerve requiring root canals, and worst case, the tooth splits requiring an
extraction. I personally have experienced all of these things.
How do I stop clenching? It’s
actually impossible to stop but the next best thing is to have an occlusal
guard made that fits over either top or bottom teeth that protects the teeth
from the extreme forces they are exposed to.
My spin on stress is that it’s not
the life or death type but the stress
every day responsible people are under. Responsible individuals live on
a schedule with deadlines and things to do and places to be. The most common
times we clench are when our conscious minds are occupied, i.e., driving,
watching television, sleeping, working on computer. These are the times our
teeth are most vulnerable and when we should wear our protective occlusal
guard.
If you think you might be clenching,
please give us a call to be evaluated.
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