Stress has become a part of our daily life. Stress can be caused by anything. Too much workload, family pressure, etc., all contribute to your stress levels.
According to the American Dental Association, stress can lead to various oral health problems, including an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay due to improper oral hygiene habits. While you may not be able to avoid stress in certain situations, there are steps you can take to lower your stress levels. Here are five ways stress can affect your body.
For adults, stress can manifest itself in several different ways that can impact the body’s overall health. Symptoms of too much stress include irregular heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, headaches or migraines, stomach aches, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Additionally, it can also lead to more serious issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
The Negative Effects Stress Has on Your Teeth
Dental issues can be triggered or exacerbated by stress, often causing pain and discomfort in your mouth. In some cases, these can worsen and cause other oral conditions as well. Here are some common issues that can be caused by stress and anxiety.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
When people are feeling stressed, they often neglect their oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. Neglecting these areas allows bacteria to fester in your mouth, which can eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Once these issues occur, they can be difficult to treat, requiring surgery to correct.
Bruxism
Another condition that can result from stress is bruxism, which is also known as teeth grinding. This is when a patient clenches down on their jaw as they sleep, causing damage to their teeth’s enamel and other sensitive areas. Once patients start experiencing aches and pain as a result of bruxism, they can become more resistant to treatment. This can result in the need for costly treatments such as dental crowns or even root canals.
Addressing the issues that stress is presenting can help not only your oral health but your overall health as well. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of oral stress, talk to your dentist about it as soon as possible. They can help you determine if your symptoms are from bruxism and what treatment options are best for you. We always recommend seeking treatment for bruxism so that you can reduce symptoms and protect the health of your teeth.
At Coeur D’Alene Family Dentistry, we strive to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you’re ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at 2201 N Government Way G, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814. For an appointment, call (208) 664 – 9129 or email us at [email protected].
