No one in Aurora, CO enjoys the burden of stress. Whether it is work-related, family-related, or stress of any kind, it’s no secret that it can take a major toll on your health. Dr. Wolfe wants everyone in Aurora, CO to know that stress can even have serious effects on your dental health. Stress has been known to cause teeth grinding, exacerbate jaw problems, and promote the development of gum disease and canker sores. Since none of us at Summit Smiles Dental want your teeth to suffer from stress, here’s some information on what to expect when stressed and how to protect your teeth. If you have any questions or would like visit Dr. Wolfe for a consultation, give us a call.
Stress
Benjamin Franklin once wrote that nothing is certain “except death and taxes,” but it’s a pretty safe bet that everyone has experienced stress at one time or another. Some folks have it worse than others, but stress universally sucks. If you are under a lot of stress, your health is likely suffering in some fashion. Here are some common ways that stress may be affecting your dental health:
Bruxism
Bruxism is just a fancy term for teeth clenching and grinding. Some research suggests that everyone experiences bruxism at some point, but it is much more prevalent in women. Bruxism can do serious harm to your teeth and worsen problems with your jaw, such as TMD/TMJ. What does bruxism have to do with stress? Stress is the leading cause of bruxism! If you are stressed out to the max, you might be grinding your teeth all day and night, without even knowing it. Don’t stress out any more though, because Dr. Wolfe can fit you with a night guard that will protect your teeth from clenching and grinding damage.
Cold Sores/Canker Sores
Also known as mouth ulcers, these little buggers are pretty common in Aurora, CO. They can be the result of biting your cheek, gum-gouging toothbrush failures (we’ve all done it), or any other mouth trauma. They can also be triggered or made worse by stress. While they are not contagious, cold sores can be really annoying and downright uncomfortable. Luckily, treatment creams and numbing gels can be found in most supermarkets.
Gum Disease
According to researchers at a number of universities, being stressed out can lead to gum disease. In fact, the worse the stress, the more severe the gum disease will likely be. Scientists found that people who are very emotional in handling financial problems are at the highest risk for developing gum disease. So the next time you are worried about money, take a breath and think about your gum health!
Dealing with Stress
The best way to relieve stress is to identify the source and remove it. Of course, life isn’t made of neat building blocks that can be moved around easily, but counseling may help. In addition, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and produces endorphins that will lighten your mood. If you have any questions about how to deal dental damage caused by stress, give Summit Smiles Dental a call!
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/stress-teeth