Working With The Right Dentist

For the Love of Teeth: How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

8 May 2015

Pamela Watkins

Dealing with stress is something we encounter on a daily basis. Stress has been tied to a number of health conditions from anxiety to obesity. If you are experiencing stress regularly, your dentist may be able to tell. This is largely because stress directly affects your teeth in a variety of ways. Most people do not even realize their is a connection between oral health and stress until pain starts to set in. The truth is too much stress can lead to complicated problems with your gums and teeth.

Common Dental Problems Stress Causes

Stress causes a variety of different dental conditions to form in your mouth. The following dental issues may present themselves when you are under a lot of stress.

• Teeth Grinding or Bruxism – Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that occurs under stress and can lead to TMJ. When you grind your teeth, you are unknowingly rubbing them against each other or clenching down too hard. Bruxism can cause your teeth to fracture or break, leading to painful and expensive repairs.
• TMJ – Issues with the temporomandibular joint, referred to as TMJ, can cause an immense amount of pain when opening or closing your jaw, or while eating. While the exact cause of TMJ is not known, it is brought on from stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Canker Sores – Canker sores are small, painful sores in the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. These can be caused by stress. While they generally heal on their own, canker sores are unpleasant to live with.
• Gum Disease – Gum disease is a serious condition that can be exacerbated by additional stress placed on the body. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure you do not have gum disease. Serious gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.

What You Can Do

To alleviate the stress you are under, make sure you are taking breaks and relaxing throughout the day. Meditation and massages can help to reduce the pressure you feel and help keep you calm. In addition to reducing stress, you need to practice good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis.

Stress affects many parts of the body negatively, including your teeth. If you have concerns about any of the above issues, you should visit your dentist, one like Guardian Dental Centre, to get them resolved. 

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