How Stress Hurts Your Teeth

More people are clenching their teeth, often in their sleep, as our daily dose of stress rises

Many people discover they are clenching their teeth in their sleep, waking up with an aching jaw. Independence_Project/Shutterstock

Between our current political landscape, a pandemic, and overall angst every time I see the news,  I’ve never before sensed such global stress.

I don’t get stressed out often, but I know things are getting out of hand when my teeth start hurting. While stress and my teeth may seem unrelated, I know that when my teeth get sore or sensitive, I’m unconsciously clenching them. It’s my wake-up call to dial it back a little, step away from the news, and take some time for myself.