If you notice yourself clenching your teeth throughout the day or every so often, you're most likely under a lot of stress or anxiety. Teeth clenching is often used as a coping mechanism whether you're aware of it or unaware of it.
Triggers for teeth clenching
It's not as if we like to clench our teeth for fun, there are usually triggers which cause us to do it. It usually occurs when we're experiencing a high stress scenario or high anxiety situation.
Examples of when we may be doing it:
While competitively playing sports. Ever notice how a lot of athletes wear mouth guards? Yes, they're there to protect their teeth but they also clench and grind on it when the game gets tough.
Work. Probably the most common reason for most people is their job which causes them to clench. Could be a tough client that you're dealing with or a fast approaching deadline for a project!
Emotional anxiety. Perhaps certain relationships or whatnot may be causing you anxiety. All of these could be outlets for you to start clenching.
There is no hard rule for what can cause it because it may be different for everyone.
Why we clench our teeth
Teeth clenching is considered a parafunctional habit, similar to teeth grinding (bruxism). People often do it as a means of relieving stress and anxiety, just like an outlet.
Imagine if your manager at work was berating you for some silly reason. Your stress levels are rising but you can't take it out on your manager. You also don't want to display any signs of anger either.
If you clench your fists, bang the table, or shout at him, that would be unprofessional. However, you can stealthily clench your teeth and no one would even know.
Basically it is a means for us to deal with stress and unfortunately we tend to take it out on our teeth. It's certainly more professional to clench your teeth than to yell at a coworker!
Consequences of clenching
Unbeknownst to most people, clenching your teeth can develop abfractions, which are areas of loss enamel along the gum line. It looks as if you've a notch by the gum line of your teeth.
Abfractions may occur from clenching or grinding. Although other times it can be due to aggressive toothbrushing. However, if you are a clencher, it may very well be from it.
How to stop clenching teeth
The best way to stop clenching your teeth is to figure out what is triggering it and eliminate it. In other words, whatever it is that is causing you stress, you should get rid of it.
However, it may not be possible sometimes if the stressor is your job. If that is the case, the next best thing to do is to keep your teeth apart whenever you notice yourself clenching. This can at least help reduce some of the muscle strain and TMJ pain.
Although if you do this at night while you sleep, you may benefit from having a nightguard made. Wearing it will help prevent your teeth from coming all the way together. This can sometimes reduce or relieve some of the jaw pain that you may be having from excessive teeth clenching.
If you're near Long Island City, NY our dentists can help you fabricate a custom night guard for teeth clenching. We also offer botox which can help reduce the intensity of the clenching as well.
