It is not only that stress affects your oral health, but it also has a severe consequence on your mood. Not all individuals are aware that stress and anxiety may result in a number of dental disorders, such as grinding teeth or sore jaws. In case you have been experiencing an unusual state of tension, or you are feeling pain in your mouth or jaw, perhaps it is time to see a dentist in Kelowna so as to have a proper examination. It is reasonable to understand the impact of stress on your teeth and jaw and how this can help you avert problems in the long run.
The Connection Between Stress and Oral Health
Your body secretes hormones when you are stressed, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Although they are natural in your body for fight or flight, with time they may have harmful results on your overall health, including your mouth. The manifestations of stress can be of various types that directly negatively affect your teeth and gums.
Listed below are some of the common stress-related dental problems:
- Stress (bruxism): Teeth grinding and stress (bruxism): In the course of stressful situations, teeth grinding or clenching is unconscious and mostly done at night. This may eventually cause enamel wear, sensitivity in teeth, and even tooth cracking.
- Jaw tension and pain: Stiffness, soreness, clicking in the jaw joint are all possible results of constant tension in the muscles which is commonly known as stress jaw pain or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
- Gum inflammation: Stress may suppress your immune system, and thus your gums are prone to infection or inflammation.
- Neglected oral hygiene: With the stress, the individual may neglect brushing, flossing, or going to the dentist, putting him at risk of cavities and gum disease.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Teeth grinding and stress usually come together. Although it is possible that occasional grinding is not harmful, regular grinding can lead to serious harm. You may not have even been aware of doing it; it is only when someone realizes afterward that you are having some of the symptoms, like
- Waking up with headaches or facial pain.
- Flattened or chipped teeth
- Heightened sensitivity of the teeth.
- Jaw soreness or fatigue
Custom night guards can be obtained at the dental clinic near you so that your teeth are not worn out further and they are safe during your sleep.
How Stress Impacts Your Jaw Health
Stressed jaw and even TMJ disorders may result as a consequence of chronic stress. This causes the muscles that are surrounding your jaw to tighten up, and therefore you are unable to open or close your mouth easily. It may result in the popping or locking of the jaws or pain that extends into your neck and shoulders.
To relieve tension, you can:
- Use a warm compress to loosen up muscles.
- Jaw exercises or light stretching.
- De-stress on a daily basis using yoga and meditation or deep breathing.
- Eat no hard food or gum, which causes jaw strain.
Preventing Stress-Related Dental Issues
Long-term complications could be avoided through good stress and oral health practices. Here are some helpful steps:
- Get dental examinations regularly to detect the symptoms of stress.
- Wear a night guard as a measure to protect your teeth in case they are ground.
- Keep your mouth clean—brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day.
- Keep hydrated as a stress-reducing measure for dry mouth.
- Take adequate rest and deal with stress through relaxation methods.
When to Seek Professional Help
Tooth sensitivity, chronic jaw pain, and frequent headaches are all things that you should not overlook. Chronic symptoms may also be symptomatic of a more serious problem that may need attention. A dentist in Kelowna would examine you, give a personalized approach to dental treatment, and give practical advice that would help you take good care of your mouth and your head.
Conclusion
If left untreated, the pressure can gradually damage the teeth and the jaw. If you take the necessary preventive measures and care before your dental appointment, then your smile and health will remain unscathed.
Simply book an appointment with the Acorn Dental and Implant Center’s qualified team for treatment and assistance. They want to help you regain comfort, confidence, and lifelong oral health.
