Thousands of people deal with some form of anxiety. In addition to affecting the lives of those who deal with them, anxiety can be difficult to manage. However, something that people with anxiety disorders may not have realized is that their anxiety could be affecting their oral health.
Roughly one in six adult Americans are affected by an anxiety disorder, and this number encompasses anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. A new study done by Tel Aviv University researchers found that anxiety experienced within social circumstances increased the risk of bruxism, known as teeth grinding.
If you have social anxiety and find yourself grinding your teeth as a result, then talk to your dentist about ways to treat bruxism. They may be able to help you find a treatment plan before your anxiety causes serious damage to your teeth.