The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be one of the         most stressful, too. Between the visits to family, travel, shopping, major meal preparation and more, it can easily become overwhelming. Unfortunately, this can often take its toll on not just your mental health, but on your oral health as well.

Here are a few ways your teeth and gums could be at risk from stress this season and what you can do to protect yourself.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or grinding your teeth often occurs when patients are stressed. It can happen while you sleep or when you’re wide awake, and you may not even realize that you’re doing it, making it difficult to stop. Unfortunately, this can lead to chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. If you notice signs of excessive wear or damage, jaw stiffness, or any other related symptoms, speak to your dentist about a custom bite guard to help stop you from grinding and protect your teeth from further damage.