How Does Stress Affect My Teeth?

Stress has a way of controlling our bodies in various ways. Did you know it also has the ability to affect your oral health? When the body is under stress, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the development of a disease.

Sometimes lowering your stress level may seem impossible, however, if you neglect to treat your stress you may suffer from dental problems in the future. So how does stress really affect your teeth? Let’s take a look.

Bruxism

When a person is stressed they may find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth in their sleep. This term is known as bruxism and although there can be various reasons behind bruxism such as a sleep disorder or abnormal bite, it should be treated in order to avoid damage to the teeth. Signs that you may be tightening your grip while you sleep include, flatten tips on your teeth, sensitivity, and even indentions on the tongue.

Bruxism can seriously damage your smile by rubbing away at your enamel when you clench or grind your teeth. This could lead to tooth sensitivity and damage to the aesthetic look of your smile.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint), disorders much like bruxism, are caused by uncontrolled stress. TMD is a group of conditions that affect the joints and muscles in the jaw and neck. By clenching and grinding your teeth frequently, you aggravate your joints causing painful symptoms. Just like with bruxism, signs of TMJ disorders may include flattened tips and sensitivity. However, other symptoms include discomfort, pain, popping, or clicking of the jaw.

Canker Sores

Canker sores, which are also known as ulcers in the mouth, can be caused by stress. This stress causes trauma to the inside of your mouth by creating unusual habits such as biting the inside of your cheeks or brushing your teeth too hard. Although these ulcers are not contagious or even dangerous, they can be annoying and painful for some people.   

Gum Disease

In some serious cases, stress can also cause gum disease. Long-term stress is known to affect our immune system over time which then weakens the body and makes us more susceptible to infections. In conclusion, the more stress you have, the higher the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Visit Torrington Dental Care

If you believe stress may be affecting your teeth, contact Dr. Kuzmin in Torrington, CT for a consultation. Here at Torrington Dental Care, our priority is your health! Our dedicated dentist and staff are here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. We strive to provide the best personalized treatment for every patient. Call today to see how we can help you.