If you are under stress and wake up having a headache or even jaw pain you may have a habit called Bruxism.  Bruxism is a medical term for when you grind your teeth or clench or thrust your jaw forward over and over again.  While bruxism usually occurs during sleep, people may also grind or clench their teeth unconsciously during the day as well. 

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Bruxism can cause teeth to break or crack; needless to say this can have an drastic affect on your oral health. The American Dental Association cited that "adults are not the only ones affected. Studies have found that this can be a problem in children as young as preschool aged."

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The average bite is about 250 pounds per square inch and if a stressful person sleeps for 5-6 hours clenching you can imagine the amount of pressure being put on the jaws, the facial muscles and the teeth themselves. 

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The feeling of the  facial muscles being soar and tired upon waking up should not be ignored.  A simple visit to your dentist will confirm your clinching behavior and your dentist can initiate treatment right away.

  

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