Teeth are among the most sensitive organs in the human body, and like any organ, they can be prone to many problems for various reasons.
In most cases, teeth are exposed to many diseases, and modern medicine has advanced to the point that there is a remedy for every ailment.
Stress and an involuntary habit
A dentist warned that stress may drive many people to engage in an involuntary habit during sleep.
This habit causes permanent damage to the teeth, without them realizing it until problems such as jaw pain appear.
Teeth grinding is a growing problem
Dr. Bhavika Parekh, a dental surgeon at the “Smile Shine” clinic, said that teeth grinding—an involuntary act of grinding or clenching the teeth—has become an increasingly common problem,
She explained that many people associate stress with sleep disturbances, headaches, or low mood, but they do not notice its direct impact on dental and jaw health.
Signs that confirm teeth grinding
She added that signs indicating teeth grinding include abnormal flattening of the teeth, cracks in the enamel layer, as well as waking up in the morning feeling jaw tightness or a mild headache.
Parekh said: “When I ask patients about their stress levels, I find it is the common factor in most cases.”
“Very often, the effects of stress on the teeth can be noticed before the person themselves realizes there is a problem.”
She noted that the damage caused by teeth grinding accumulates gradually over months or years, before appearing in the form of a cracked tooth or persistent jaw pain.
She confirmed that early intervention helps limit long-term damage, explaining that dentists can detect early signs of the condition even before clear symptoms appear in the patient.
She pointed out that teeth grinding is not limited to adults; it is more common among children and adolescents compared to older adults.
The doctor offered five tips for people who believe they suffer from teeth grinding: monitor morning symptoms such as jaw tightness or tooth sensitivity, and do not delay visiting the dentist.
She also advised asking about using a night mouthguard, considering Botox injections for severe cases after consulting specialists, and reducing screen use before bedtime to improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
The UK National Health Service also recommends using painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen when experiencing jaw pain or swelling.
In addition, use cold compresses for 20 to 30 minutes to help relieve pain and swelling.