10 September 2026

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Football Stress May Contribute to Teeth Grinding at Night

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Football season may be keeping fans stressed long after the final whistle, according to a new survey commissioned by DenTek.

The survey also found that 47% of football fans have stayed up later than planned because of football, and 40% have checked football scores while in bed. Overall, 60% of fans said football season is stressful, with social media (43%) and sports betting (39%) identified as sources of football-related stress.

The findings may have implications for sleep and oral health. Stress is among the common contributors to nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Among football fans who consider the season stressful, 39% reported feeling anxious and 32% said they have trouble falling asleep. Additionally, 21% reported experiencing jaw tension or clenching.

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching may also occur during stressful games. According to the survey, 69% of respondents said they grind or clench their teeth at least sometimes during stressful football games.

DenTek partnered with NFL legends Ronde and Tiki Barber as part of its Fantasy Guards 2.0 campaign to highlight the survey findings and encourage football fans to recognize when game-related stress may extend into their sleep and oral health.

The DenTek Football Stress Test was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of DenTek among 1,000 U.S. adults who identify as football fans. The survey was conducted from July 30 through August 5, 2026.

DenTek offers nighttime dental guards designed to help protect teeth from the effects of nighttime clenching and grinding. The company’s nighttime guards include Professional Fit, Ultimate, and Comfort-Fit models.

DenTek, from Prestige Consumer Healthcare, is a leading provider of innovative oral care solutions, empowering consumers to take charge of their oral health through proactive prevention. With a range of everyday maintenance, specialized care, and overnight care products, DenTek® coaches people to achieve peak oral health with easy-to-use, performance-driven products.

DenTek’s portfolio of ready to wear and custom fit mouth guards are BPA-free and protect teeth from nighttime clenching and grinding. With a 6-month guarantee and unmatched comfort, they are the go-to solution for stress-busting oral care. DenTek® nighttime guards are available in three models: Professional Fit, Ultimate, and Comfort-Fit. Learn more at www.dentek.com .

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Herbert Aust from Pixabay .

Source: http://www.dentek.com