 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
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Posted on 3/25/2020 by Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
 One of the most basic human instincts and behaviors when faced with a high anxiety situation is to clench our jaws and grind our teeth. It is one of the many unique traits that make us what we are as people. It is a universal behavior that transcends various cultures and societies. But in all honesty, it is actually an unhealthy dental practice, especially if you find yourself in stressful situations regularly. Practice Mindfulness and AwarenessThe first key to reducing the amount of jaw clenching that you do is to be aware of it in the first place. Most people don't usually realize how much or how hard they have been clenching or grinding their teeth until they feel the soreness and aftereffects later on. Understanding what your triggers are and recognizing them in real time is what will help most. This is especially true for people who are involved in high pressure jobs such as stock trading or high-volume sales. But stress and worry can affect any number of people for any number of reasons. Whatever the source of your anxiety is, simply being aware of your facial behavior can significantly reduce clenching. Position the Tip of Your Tongue Between Your Front TeethIf you find yourself still having difficulty breaking the habit of teeth and jaw clenching, a more proactive solution might be necessary. Placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth will prevent you from clenching down subconsciously. There is just something there in the body that sends the signal to the brain that you can't lock your jaw down because the tongue is in the wrong spot. These little tips and tricks are good for any individual moment, but if you have issues with habitually clenching your jaw to the point where it causes physical discomfort, then you need to get in contact with our offices and have an exam performed as soon as possible. |
 
Phone:(503) 446-6776Fax:503-297-7810Address:1750 SW Harbor Way, Suite # 100, Portland, OR. 97201Hours:Mon - Thu: 8:00am–4:30pm Friday: 7:00am–2:00pm Saturday: By Appointment Only |
