How Stress is Wrecking Your Teeth!
Stress causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching which weakens teeth and damages fillings. Managing stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques can protect your oral health.
I think we all have some type of stressful moments in life. This can be work, school, family life, health, mental health, relationships, financial issues and many other causes but did you know that there is a clear connection between your oral health and your mental health?
It might actually surprise you to know that your Dental Hygienist and Dentist can see signs of stress in your mouth. When we see these signs it can determine how often you should have your teeth cleaned, if you need to increase the frequency of your dental check ups or If you need dental treatment.
Worn Teeth
One way stress can show up in the mouth is with worn teeth. The teeth themselves can wear on the chewing surface of the teeth called wear faucets. The teeth can also wear right at the neck of the tooth where the teeth come out of the gums called abfraction lesions. Depending on how worn these areas are or if they are sensitive your dentist might recommend repairing them. Grinding can also chip teeth ,break teeth or damage fillings.
Dry Mouth
Another way that stress or mental health can show up in the mouth might be quite surprising. Xerostomia or dryness of the mouth is a condition that can be caused by many factors but one specific reason the mouth can dry out is with medication. Some medications for anxiety or mental health conditions will cause xerostomia. It is always important to take medication recommended by your doctor as this is very important however a dry mouth increases the chances of bad breath, gum disease and cavities. In these cases as a Dental Hygienist I recommend getting an additional dental hygiene appointment with a dental check up to really keep a close eye on your oral health addressing any issues that may arise.
Cheek Biting
Purposeful Cheek biting is another habit that people can engage in that shows up in the mouth. Generally we can see the pattern of cheek biting during your oral exam. Dentists usually recommend that patients try to quit this habit as it irritates the tissues.
Jaw Problems/ Headaches
The muscles we use to chew called the muscles of mastication can become sore to the touch in people that clench and grind their teeth. In some cases jaw problems TMJ may develop and people can suffer from jaw pain and headaches. It is important to also add that teeth grinding can be because of stress, anxiety or mental health but it is also linked to obstructive sleep apnea or a poor bite (malocclusion)
Gum Disease
Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels and this can suppress the immune system. If the immune system is compromised it makes it much harder to fight off the bad bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
Stress and mental health can also cause a lack of good oral hygiene resulting in gum disease.
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
Stress is a huge and well known trigger for canker sores. There are a few others reasons such as irritation/ trauma, besets syndrome or using a toothpaste containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) but it is also well known that stress is a huge contributor. The exact reason for this is not yet fully understood but many people notice and report outbreaks around stressful periods in their lives.
Nail Biting
Anxiety and mental health can cause some people to use their teeth as tools and bite at their nails frequently. This introduces bacteria in the mouth and can result in chipped teeth, jaw issues from the posture of the jaw constantly shifting to bite your nails. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter as I will write a blog on how to quit biting your nails.
Social
Anxiety and mental health can cause substance use. This can show up in your mouth in a variety of ways. Smoking and vaping can dry out the mouth and darken the teeth by staining the teeth. Other substances can increase teeth grinding. Nicotine pouches can actually increase the chance of gum disease and cause gum recession.
If you have any of these signs in your mouth, speak to your dentist and make sure to get a professional licensed dental hygienist to clean your teeth and determine the best hygiene protocol for you.
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