Whether it is from work, familial responsibilities or paying the bills on time, everyone feels stress now and then. It is completely normal, but it is important that you know how to manage it well. Our periodontist sees numerous people with excessive stress in Monroe, CT. Without proper stress management, various oral health problems can develop.
1. Bruxism
Feeling stressed out can lead to small tics you probably do not pay too much attention to. One of these is bruxism, which is also known as teeth grinding. Not only will grinding your teeth lead to enamel damage, but it can also damage your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) can cause jaw or ear pain, and other facial discomfort.
2. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
A lot of evidence exists to suggest that feeling stressed too often can actually reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. This decreases your ability to fight off infections, including gum disease. Gum disease causes red, painful gums that can easily bleed when brushed or flossed. Left untreated, gingivitis can escalate into periodontitis, where you may begin to notice loose, or moving teeth.
3. Canker Sores
Canker sores are not necessarily detrimental to your overall health, but they can be rather painful and distracting. Studies suggest that stress might be a contributing factor to why these sores appear around the mouth. Keep in mind these mouth ulcers can also be caused by overly aggressive tooth brushing and biting your cheek, so take care to use proper technique when brushing and flossing.
4. Dry Mouth
When your mouth is incapable of producing sufficient levels of saliva, it leads to a condition known as dry mouth. While it may seem harmless, receiving treatment before it leads to bad breath and cavities is highly important to protect your teeth. Stress is one causing factor of dry mouth, but taking certain prescription medications can also influence saliva production. If you think you may be experiencing dry mouth, ask your doctor about your prescriptions, or seek help from your dentist.
Manage Your Stress and Get Oral Care
If you would like assistance controlling dental health concerns that may be a result of stress in Monroe, CT you should see Dr. Richard Amato. He can recommend the best dental treatments for your condition to make you feel great again. Give our office a call at 866-887-2234 to get started.
