"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the
advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take
it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or
clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it happens
as you sleep. Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress
and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth
that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding
include: - dull headaches - jaw soreness - teeth that are
painful or loose - fractured teeth Your dentist can fit you with
a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases,
your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant
before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to
relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce
stress and anxiety. Teeth grinding is also common in children.
However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly
it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and
most outgrow it by adolesc