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 at Riverside Dental Group and see how many questions you can answer correctly.

Questions

Q1. True or false – Stress can cause cavities.

Q2. True or false – Bruxism is the clinical term for the nervous habit of biting the inside of your cheeks.

Q3. True or false – happens most frequently in sleeping hours.

Q4. True or false – Stress related teeth grinding can lead to TMJ pain.

Answers

A1. FALSE – Technically this is false, but there is an indirect way that stress can contribute to tooth decay. Not following through with your oral hygiene routine can be a definite side-effect of stress.  Worry and tension can translate into not getting enough sleep, exhaustion, depression, and lack of focus. You may not feel like brushing and flossing daily if stress is affecting you in this way, or you may not be able to fathom getting to the dentist any time soon. Remember, if you avoid taking care of your teeth, in the near future are likely, and that can add even more stress to your life.

A2. FALSE – Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding.

A3.  TRUE – For many people that are afflicted with bruxism, their teeth grinding happens at night while they’re sleeping. Unfortunately, this means tooth damage might be occurring without your awareness. The clenching and grinding can wear down tooth enamel, leading to potential weakening, cracks, breaks, and tooth sensitivity.

A4. TRUE – The pressure that occurs in your jaw as a result of grinding your teeth can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If you believe that you are grinding your teeth at night, make an appointment to see your dentist regarding a customized nightguard that can stop your teeth from rubbing against each other while you’re sleeping.

Bruxism Help in Riverside

Neglecting your dental health can add more stress to your life. Keep up with checkups and cleanings twice a year to keep your teeth healthy. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with your Riverside dentists, call our  to patients of all ages in Riverside and surrounding areas.