Lower your Stress and Improve your Oral Health
Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson Nevada
It seems as if daily life is more hectic, and stressful than ever before in our society. The combined load accumulated from working, taking care of children and pets, and caring for elderly family members can push your body and mind to their limits. We all know about the potential health risks that can be associated with stress, but did you know that stress also could have a negative impact on your oral health?
Stress is the most common cause of teeth clenching and grinding, a behavior that is referred to clinically as bruxism. Many people with bruxism engage in the habit without realizing it, because they grind their teeth at night while they sleep. If you wake up with mysterious tooth pain, tender jaws, or frequent headaches, then you could be suffering from bruxism. It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of patients with bruxism wear down their teeth to the nubs; that adds up to thousands of people who have their mouths devastated by this behavior!
If you internalize your stress, this could lead to bruxism
Many of us live with stress and need to find ways to cope. Follow these tips to try and reduce your stress level in Las Vegas.
Getting enough sleep is so important to maintaining a healthy mind and body. The proper amount of restful sleep will have you feeling better and more energetic.
Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood, increase your energy and help strengthen your muscles and your cardiovascular system while helping you to lose weight. Whether you choose to lift weights at the gym, swim, or just take a brisk walk around the neighborhood, exercising for at least 30 minutes per day is a great way to reduce stress.
A balanced diet is a cornerstone of good overall health, which will help you be better equipped to manage stress. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to whole grains. Packing healthy snacks will reduce the temptation you end up buying an unhealthy snack at a drive-thru, convenience store or vending machine.
Make time for fun. Yes, life can be stressful, but be sure to schedule some time for things you enjoy. Whatever you may choose, these fun activities with friends and family are a great way to blow off stress.
Let it out. Internalizing stress is one of the worst decisions you can make. If you are having a hard time managing stress despite taking some of the steps above, consider seeking the guidance of a professional therapist or counselor.
Treating bruxism in Summerlin
If you are grinding your teeth, you need to stop the behavior as soon as possible. Using the above methods will reduce stress, but they take time. Take steps to protect your teeth and mouth from further damage by receiving a professional-grade mouth guard from Dr. Matthew Wilson at Inspire Dental of Summerlin. Our mouth guards are made of top-quality materials, and each of our guards is customized from impressions of your mouth, making sure for a snug, secure, comfortable fit that will protect your teeth from being worn down in Summerlin.
To learn more about how Inspire Dental of Summerlin can treat bruxism, call our office at (702) 331-4700 to schedule a consultation.
Inspire Dental of Summerlin is proud to provide top-quality oral health care to patients in the areas of Henderson, Summerlin, and Las Vegas.