The Costa Rican Solution to a Common Dental Problem

Increasing stress levels contribute to an increase in the incidence of stress-induced bruxism, which can cause significant damage to teeth if not detected and treated early. A 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute found that more than 70% of dentists observed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, a 10% increase from the previous year.

Does stress-induced bruxism increase?

This condition, often called teeth grinding, can occur for a variety of reasons. Bruxism can be a direct result of sleep apnea or habits such as smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine. However, stress is also an important trigger; People may grind their teeth in response to anxiety, depression, or emotional changes—all of which can be related to general stress.

Bruxism can be difficult to detect because it often occurs subconsciously during sleep, leaving some people unaware that they grind their teeth regularly. Moreover, while sleeping, the person is unaware of and has no control over the intensity of their bite, which can result in clenching and grinding with up to 250 pounds of force.

Consequences of bruxism

Chronic bruxism can cause teeth to become painful, worn, or loose over time. It can also damage dental products such as crowns, fillings and implants. In addition, teeth grinding increases the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), which can lead to jaw locking, popping or clicking noises, difficulty chewing, and general jaw discomfort.

As dentists, it is important to carefully identify signs of bruxism in patients, especially since increased stress levels contribute to this condition. Early detection and intervention can help prevent long-term damage and improve patients’ overall health and well-being.

At Prisma Dental, we offer several treatment options for bruxism. For prevention and treatment, we offer several types of mouth guards and Botox, which have been proven to reduce the force of clenching of teeth.

In severe cases of bruxism Prizma Dental has highly qualified dentists and its own laboratory. Complete oral rehabilitation and treatment has been shown to improve chewing quality, function and esthetics for those who suffer from severely worn teeth due to bruxism.

For more information about bruxism, its treatment and management, contact Prisma Dental by email at [email protected] or by phone at 506-2291-5151. English spoken; drop-ins are always welcome.

Mention Tico Times and you will receive a 5% discount. Valid until December 31st. Author: Nadine Cordero, DDS, MsD.