Dentists and researchers aren’t in complete agreement about the cause of nightly tooth grinding (bruxism). But they do agree that it’s partly stress-related.
Since the year-end holidays can be some of the most stressful months of the year, we may be at risk for high stress more than at any other time. The Holiday Season is more than your ordinary daily grind—it’s much more stressful. You can actually lower your body’s stress response by inhaling deeply and exhaling completely. With mouth closed, slowly inhale until you cannot take in more air. Then slowly exhale, until your lungs feel empty.
What you’re doing is increasing the oxygen you take in, which causes you to relax. Try it the next time a stressful occasion arises, and for a few minutes just before bed.
Dr. Moran was born and raised in San Jose, California where she lived with her mom, dad, and three younger sisters. After graduating from Santa Teresa High School she attended San Diego State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. After completing her studies at San Diego State, she returned to the Bay Area to attend the prestigious University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. In her spare time, Dr. Moran enjoys being outdoors: gardening, wakeboarding, camping, being at the beach, and running are just a few of Dr. Moran’s favorite outdoor activities. In addition, Dr. Moran loves spending time with her family which includes her dog and turtle. Dr. Moran is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Monterey Bay Dental Society, and the Santa Clara County Dental Society.
