4 Ways Stress Can Damage Teeth

Stress comes and goes as it pleases, and sometimes it can wreak havoc on your teeth while it’s in your life. None of us are strangers to worry and anxiety, but stress – left unaddressed – can damage your oral health, causing pain, complications, and chronic problems. Here are just some of the ways stress can damage teeth, and the ways to fix what’s broken.

1. Teeth Grinding

One of the most obvious side effects of unnamed or unacknowledged stress is teeth grinding. This can lead to jaw pain, tooth pain, gum recession, cracked teeth, broken fillings or crowns, headaches, tenderness, and more. Typically, stress-induced TMJ problems cause unconscious grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping.

There are a few ways to correct this problem. If your Haymarket dentist determines that this is very likely a temporary situation, a customized nightguard worn at night can protect your teeth from themselves. If the issue is more about alignment, a course of Invisalign treatment can get your jaw and teeth in proper order so they are less likely to succumb to bad habits.

2. Minimized Saliva Production

Did you know that stress can lead to dry mouth? Plus, people who are taking anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications may also suffer from dry mouth as a side effect of the pharmaceutical. When you aren’t producing enough saliva, your mouth is not moist enough to wash away the bacteria and food particles that float around in there.

Good brushing and flossing habits are critical, as is seeing your dentist regularly to ensure that you are not developing any areas of decay. You can chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production, but if you’re still dealing with regular instances of decay, dental sealants may be necessary.

3. Unconscious Chewing

When you’re sitting at your desk, do you chew on your pen or the end of your reading glasses? When you’re watching television from the couch do you crunch ice or bite your nails? Using your teeth for purposes for which they were not intended can lead to broken tooth enamel or damaged dental work.

In many cases, a dental restoration is needed to repair a tooth damaged by unconscious chewing. Porcelain crowns or dental onlays can correct significant damage, covering up a compromised tooth so it is strengthened and protected from further damage.

4. Poor Oral Health Care

When you are too stressed out to take care of your teeth properly, oral health problems are inevitable. One of the worst side effects of stress is that we allow worry and anxiety to get in the way of our health and wellness.

Make sure your teeth remain a priority, no matter what you’re worrying about. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, see your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and exams, and especially make an appointment if you’re suffering from tooth pain or discomfort.

Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Oral Health

Stress likes to have its way with people, but you don’t need to let it win or take control of your teeth. Contact LifeTime Smiles to schedule an appointment with Haymarket Invisalign provider Dr. Sina Reangber.