Scottsdale: Why December Takes a Toll on Your Teeth
As the holiday season ramps up in Scottsdale, many people begin noticing jaw soreness, morning headaches, or sensitive teeth — and wonder whether stress is causing them to grind their teeth. For many, the answer is yes. December brings gift shopping, travel, end-of-year deadlines, busy social calendars, and heightened emotion, all of which increase teeth grinding and jaw tension.
At Elevation Dental Group, we see a noticeable rise in teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ discomfort every holiday season. Even patients who don’t usually grind may experience flare-ups this time of year, often without realizing it’s happening at night.
Why Stress Makes You Grind Your Teeth
When stress levels spike, the muscles in your jaw work overtime — especially while sleeping. This leads to:
- Nighttime clenching
- Daytime jaw tension
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Stress headaches
- Worn enamel
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
Scottsdale’s fast-paced lifestyle and busy December schedules add to this tension. Long work hours, computer-heavy jobs, and an active fitness culture can increase jaw strain throughout the day, making nighttime grinding even more likely.
Signs You May Be Teeth Grinding Without Realizing It
Many Scottsdale patients don’t know they’re grinding until symptoms become too noticeable to ignore. Watch for:
- Jaw pain in the morning
- Tightness when opening your mouth
- New or frequent headaches
- Flattened, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Neck or temple tension
- Tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
A partner may also hear grinding noises at night — one of the most common early signs.
Scottsdale’s Winter Climate Can Make Jaw Pain Worse
Scottsdale may not see extreme winters, but cooler desert mornings and very dry air still affect the jaw muscles and joint. Cold temperatures can tighten facial and jaw muscles, while dehydration — common in Arizona’s winter climate — increases muscle tension.
This is why many residents search:
“Why does my jaw hurt more in winter?”
It’s often the combination of holiday stress, nighttime clenching, and Scottsdale’s low humidity creating extra strain on the TMJ.
Teeth Grinding vs. TMJ Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Grinding (bruxism) and TMJ dysfunction often overlap, but they aren’t the same.
Teeth grinding is a muscle activity — clenching or grinding during sleep or stressful moments.
TMJ disorder affects the jaw joint itself and may include:
- Jaw locking
- Pain near the ears
- Difficulty opening wide
- Painful clicking or popping
- Persistent inflammation
Stress can trigger both. If your jaw joint feels stiff or painful even when you’re not clenching, TMJ may be involved.
What Teeth Grinding Can Do to Your Smile
Grinding can cause serious, long-lasting dental damage, including:
- Enamel wear
- Cracks or fractures
- Shortened teeth
- Gum recession
- TMJ inflammation
- Chronic headaches
- Bite misalignment over time
Once enamel wears down, it cannot grow back — which is why early diagnosis matters.
Advanced Diagnostics at Elevation Dental Group
Scottsdale patients appreciate modern, technology-forward care, and Elevation Dental Group uses advanced tools — including digital bite analysis and high-resolution imaging — to detect early signs of grinding or TMJ strain.
This technology helps us:
- Identify your grinding patterns
- Evaluate joint movement
- Detect enamel wear before it worsens
- Create a personalized treatment plan
It’s a major advantage over one-size-fits-all store-bought solutions.
Are Nightguards Covered by Insurance or HSAs?
Many Scottsdale patients ask this — especially in December.
Here’s the good news:
Custom nightguards are often eligible under dental benefits, FSAs, or HSAs, depending on your insurance plan. If you’re unsure, our team can check your coverage and help you maximize year-end savings.
Teeth Grinding in Kids and Teens
Grinding isn’t just an adult issue. Children and teens may grind during stressful school periods, sleep disturbances, or growth phases. If your child complains of jaw soreness or you hear grinding at night, it’s worth bringing up during their next appointment.
Catching this early prevents long-term bite and jaw problems.
How to Protect Your Teeth During Holiday Stress
Small changes can reduce grinding intensity:
- Stay hydrated — dry air worsens clenching
- Take breaks from screens to relax jaw muscles
- Use warm compresses for jaw soreness
- Avoid chewing ice, gum, or hard holiday treats
- Try gentle stretching before bed
But the most effective solution is a custom nightguard, which absorbs grinding force and eases pressure on the jaw joint.
When to See a Dentist About Teeth Grinding
If you experience:
- Persistent jaw soreness
- Clicking or popping
- Morning headaches
- Cracks or chips in the teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Tightness that doesn’t go away
…it’s time for a professional evaluation.
Elevation Dental Group can pinpoint the exact cause using advanced diagnostics and create a plan to relieve pain and protect your smile.
Don’t Let Stress Damage Your Teeth
The holidays should be joyful — not painful. If grinding, clenching, or jaw tension is affecting your comfort, we can help you find relief and start the new year feeling better than ever.
👉 Call Elevation Dental Group at (480) 515-1000 or schedule online today. Stress may be inevitable — but dental damage doesn’t have to be.
