Stress can do many terrible things to your body but many don’t think about how stress affects your teeth. Fortunately, there are ways you can limit problems stress can cause to your mouth and ways to treat the results of stress.
Your teeth and mouth could see the ill effects of stress in six distinct ways.
1. Grinding or clenching.
Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding. Many people under stress grind their teeth or clench their jaws in their sleep but some may do it throughout the day if they are under stress at their job or school.
Teeth grinding and jaw cleaning can lead to teeth being chipped or broken. It can cause tooth pain, TMJ, and jaw muscle pain.
Solution:The solution is to get a dental night guard. These are offered through dentists and are custom-made for your mouth. It fits your teeth perfectly and prevents them from directly hitting each other if you clench your jaw or try to grind your teeth in the night. It prevents your teeth from being damaged and can be used to train you not to keep up the habit.
A conscious effort during the day when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw can help you stop the habit. Try to substitute that habit with another way to handle stress.
2. Biting on things.
Similarly, stress can relate to other bad habits that can damage teeth. Some people bite their nails or chew on pens, pencils, and toothpicks to relieve stress.
Solution:Find ways to stop those habits. There are safe chemicals you can put on objects that taste bad to help you break the habit.
3. Smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco.
Many people start these habits because they are stressed and want to relax. However, these products hurt your teeth and gums and cause other health risks. They contribute to cancer, including oral cancer. They also cause tooth decay and staining.
Solution:The solution is to find a cessation program and participate.
4. Dry mouth.
Stress and other health issues like diabetes contribute to dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay because it prevents salvia from working properly. Salvia has an important role in washing away food debris and bacteria from your mouth.
A dry mouth means those things remain and that leads to more plaque and tartar.
5. Mouth sores.
Those under a lot of stress may find that canker sores develop in their mouths. This not only looks bad but is painful.
Solution:You can relieve and clear up canker stores by talking to your dentist. They have a paste that soothes them and helps them heal. Another option is to use a strong antiseptic mouthwash like LIstorine once or twice a day. It kills most of the bacteria in your mouth, which includes those causing canker sores. The canker sores will heal faster, although the mouthwash itself will sting.
6. A weakened immune system.
Stress will make you more susceptible to sickness and affect your mouth, gums, and teeth.
Solution:The solution is to get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and take vitamins if needed. Find ways to handle your stress so you can take care of your body, sleep well, make time for eating a good meal, and self-care.
Take a step back from whatever is causing you stress. Nothing is worth your health. Taking a day away from the phone or computer can do a lot for your mental and physical health.
Do You Have Dental Issues Related to Stress?
Your dentist has solutions! We can help you end some of these bad habits, tell you the best foods for your oral health, and offer ways to protect your mouth. Contact us for an exam or consultation today!
