Can stress management help prevent bruxism?

Because bruxism (teeth grinding) can be caused by stress or anxiety, stress management can help. However, there are several other causes such as sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. If stress is the cause, you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re concerned about teeth grinding, ask your dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

Stress management  may be one of the primary means for preventing bruxism. While the causes of bruxism are not fully understood, daily stress may trigger jaw clenching and grinding for some people. If this daily stress is the underlying cause, stress management can help prevent bruxism before it starts and treat existing cases. However, stress management cannot prevent all cases of bruxism, especially if other factors such as jaw misalignment, are responsible.