Does it seem like your work has been overly stressful lately? Do you struggle to find the time to complete anything around the house? Are you dealing with issues related to family or friends? Everyday obligations, relationships, and responsibilities can take their toll on your mind and body if you’re not careful. In fact, many researchers are discovering how chronic stress is linked to poor oral health. Find out what can happen if you avoid treatment as well as what you can do to keep your smile and your overall health in better shape.
How Can Chronic Stress Negatively Affect Oral Health?
When stress begins to mount at home, work, or school, you may notice that your brain and body begin to react in various ways, none of which are good for your long-term health. It is not uncommon for people to begin:
- Grinding their teeth (bruxism) during the day or while sleeping.
- Neglecting their oral hygiene because they don’t have time.
- Experiencing severe jaw pain because of the clenching that can occur when stress arises.
- Developing oral sores that appear as white spots or ulcers and are commonly linked to stress.
According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers discovered that 56% of individuals admitted that stress kept them from brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly. It was also noted that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the neglect of good oral hygiene habits.
What Can Happen if Treatment is Neglected?
If you notice that you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned conditions that can develop as a result of chronic stress, you may be faced with significant dental injuries that range from cracked and broken teeth to advanced gum disease, tooth loss, and serious infection.
Worn tooth enamel and severe jaw pain are two of the most common issues because of the grinding and clenching that often occur when stress is present. As teeth move against one another, it breaks down the enamel little by little until tooth sensitivity occurs.
The same can be said for facial muscles and jaw joints that suffer extreme pressure brought on by stress. When the clenching motion occurs, it often causes many individuals to wake up with intense headaches, a stiff neck, and an aching jaw.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Dentists and researchers now recommend customized nightguards to help with bruxism and serious jaw pain. By wearing these oral devices at night, they can help to create a barrier between teeth that prevents worn tooth enamel and alleviates clenching that leads to serious jaw pain.
Other recommended tips you can use to minimize the severity of your symptoms include:
- Avoiding hard, crunchy foods.
- Staying away from unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, eating ice, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth as tools.
- Seeking help for your stress. This can be talking with a therapist, inquiring about physical therapy, practicing meditation, or incorporating more exercise into your daily routine.
- Asking your dentist about TMJ Treatment if the situation is more severe.
Don’t let stress ruin your mind, body, and appearance. Find ways to address this problem and talk to your dentist about what you can do to maintain healthy, beautiful teeth and gums for life.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft earned her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002. Completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, she was named one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020. With nearly 20 years of experience, she and her team at J.B. Dental aim to help patients suffering from stress improve their oral health. If you are worried your smile might be at risk, contact us at (720) 458-6561.