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Do you feel overstressed? How does it affect your life?
From demanding jobs to family obligations that pull us in many directions at once, there is no shortage to the sources of stress in our lives. There is evidence that it affects our health in a myriad of ways, but how does this stress impact the health of our smiles? Explore the various ways that stress affects your teeth and consider how you can mitigate the damage.
Stress and Your Teeth – A Famous Example
You may remember the actress Demi Moore from hit films like “Ghost” and “GI Jane”, but just last year on the Jimmy Fallon Show, she made headlines for another reason. Moore explained how stress was the main factor in causing her to lose her two front teeth. Accompanied by a photo of her posing with missing teeth, Demi Moore explained the loss in her own words:
“I sheared off my front teeth. I’d love to say it was skateboarding or something really kind of cool, but I think it’s something that’s important to share because I think it’s literally, probably after heart disease, one of the biggest killers in America, which is stress.”
3 Dental Conditions that Are Caused or Aggravated by Stress
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is the condition where breathing stops for multiple seconds at a time during sleep, causing low-quality rest and leading to other health complications. In addition to obesity, excess stress is known to aggravate symptoms of sleep apnea, further worsening the condition. Unfortunately, this causes a vicious cycle of increasing anxiety, because sleep apnea and the resulting fatigue is a major cause of stress as well.
Bruxism
While many people have ground their teeth at one time or another, those who grind their teeth obsessively can cause legitimate damage to their enamel, and the condition is largely caused by stress. If your teeth grinding increases in severity, it’s important to bring it up during your next visit to our office in Havre de Grace, MD. The main culprit behind the condition may be excess stress in your life.
TMJ Disorders
The joint that connects the jaw to the skull is the temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as the TMJ. TMJ disorders can cover a wide variety of specific conditions, but pain in the jaw, headaches, and soreness in the neck and surrounding area are common symptoms. Stress is a major factor in developing TMJ disorders, and it can make a major difference in the severity of your symptoms.
The Unforeseen Effects of Stress on Your Smile
While connecting stress to the development of major dental conditions is easy to understand, the most prevalent effects of stress involve the subtle effects it has on your oral health. This includes smaller consequences like canker sores and dry mouth, conditions which can get worse if your stress level increases. These subtle effects of stress are another way that it wreaks havoc on your mouth, gums, and teeth
Quick Tips for Reducing Stress
- Start a fitness routine
- Practice yoga or meditation
- Set smart, realistic goals
- Choose healthy foods for a balanced diet
- Spend time with positive people
- Don’t let things you can’t control upset you
Manage the Stress in Your Life for a Healthier Smile
For most adults, some level of stress is unavoidable – it’s when your stress becomes overwhelming that you become susceptible to health problems. Managing stress may be a different process for everyone, but finding the techniques that work for you will benefit the health of your smile in the future. If your teeth have endured damage due to excessive stress and the habits associated with it, contact Dr. Grubb to set up your next appointment. We assure you your visit will be as stress-free as possible.