Stress and Oral Health
Most people have no idea how this stress is affecting their oral health until the damage is done. We understand stress can cause high blood pressure or make a person gain or lose weight, but few people understand the connection between oral health and stress. Our dentist in Pennsylvania can help you see the effects of stress and work out solutions to alleviate the symptoms.
How Can Stress Hurt My Oral Health?
When you're stressed out, you are usually very busy and can't take the time to relax. Even if you are very busy, you have to take time to brush twice a day and floss. Lax dental care can lead to decay and gingivitis.
Stress also hurts your immune system, making it more likely you'll experience oral infections. Stress can also make it more likely you will grind your teeth and clench your jaw. Doing this can lead to cracked or chipped teeth or problems that affect the joints in your jaw.
What Can Stress Do to My Teeth?
Bruxism
Bruxism, or grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep, is often the result of anxiety or stress. It can cause worn down teeth, enamel loss, pain, and cracked teeth. You can even crack crowns or fillings. Many people don't know they have bruxism, especially if they sleep alone. Dentists can notice the symptoms though.
Jaw Problems
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that lets you open and close your mouth. You wouldn’t be able to chew or speak without the complex system of ligaments, joints, and muscles comprising your jaw. When these actions become uncomfortable, it is called a TMJ disorder. When you're under constant stress, you clench your jaw when you are awake or asleep without realizing it. This can hurt the joint or aggravate existing damage.
Poor Oral Hygiene
At our office, we understand good dental hygiene isn't a person's first priority when they are under a great deal of stress. However, the consequences of poor oral hygiene over time is a recipe for dental health issues. Also, it is vital you keep up with your dental checkups and teeth cleanings. If you need a dental exam, please call our dental office in Pennsylvania to schedule one.
Infections
People under stress are more prone to developing canker or cold sores. While they usually go away on their own, they can cause pain while chewing. Stress can also make it more likely for a person to develop gingivitis since the body can't fight infection as well. Plaque is full of bacteria, which can cause gingivitis.
How Can I Lower Symptoms of Stress?
Make an appointment today with our dentist in Pennsylvania. He or she will ask you about your symptoms and find treatments to reduce or eliminate them and keep the symptoms from reoccurring.
How Can I Help Avoid Oral Stress Symptoms?
Talk to our dentist in Pennsylvania about managing the symptoms. It's also essential you identify what is the source of your stress. If you can't eliminate the source, you have to explore stress reduction techniques and find one that works for you.
What Can I Do About the Effects of Tooth Grinding?
Your dentist can repair any cracked teeth or restorations. You can also get a custom fabricated night guard to protect your teeth from any further damage. The night guard can also relieve aching jaw symptoms.
What Can I Do About Stress-Related Tooth Pain?
See one of our dentists in Pennsylvania. They are experts at treating pain by suggesting anti-inflammatory OTC medications, massage techniques, and more to reduce your pain. Call today to make an appointment!
How Do I Take Care of Myself When I am Under Stress?
Identify why you are under stress and change what you can. Practice stress reduction techniques to determine what works for you. In the meantime, take good care of your teeth and eat a healthy diet. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products.
Our dentists in Pennsylvania know how to protect your teeth and gums from the damaging effects of stress. Call today for an appointment!
