{"id":283,"date":"2016-08-16T09:51:11","date_gmt":"2016-08-16T13:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pointedentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2017-11-02T15:52:05","modified_gmt":"2017-11-02T19:52:05","slug":"teeth-grinding-stress-affects-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.pointedentalgroup.com\/blog\/teeth-grinding-stress-affects-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Teeth Grinding, Dental Pain, and Decay: How Stress Affects Your Dental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BusinessmanStress \u2013 it\u2019s one byproduct of a busy life that\u2019s hard to avoid. Medical research has proven too much stress can lead to problems such as anxiety, fatigue, and depression. But did you know that stress can be almost as damaging to your dental health as it is to your mental health?<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, our teeth, gums, and jaws can be affected by stressful situations, much as our bodies and minds can. Researchers have found a significant link between stress and oral health. Left unchecked, stress can lead to a variety of dental problems over time, including:<\/p>\n

Teeth grinding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Also known as bruxism<\/em>, teeth grinding happens most often at night as we subconsciously attempt to handle stress, but it can happen during waking hours, too. Not only can bruxism lead to jaw pain, headache, or tooth sensitivity pain, it can wear down your enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. Bruxism can also damage work such as crowns and veneers. Note that nail biting \u2013 another anxiety-induced behavior \u2013 can have similar consequences.<\/p>\n

TMJ\/TMD<\/strong><\/h3>\n

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder<\/a>, is condition in which the \u201chinge\u201d which connects the upper and lower jaw isn’t working as it should. (This hinge is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side.) TMJ often occurs when the jaw is clenched for prolonged periods of time. Some of the most common symptoms are headaches, jaw pain, and tenderness in muscles of the jaw.<\/p>\n

Periodontal disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Over the long term, stress can weaken your body\u2019s immune system. If your immune system can\u2019t fight off the bacteria present in your mouth, it could lead to periodontal disease, which could eventually result in bone and tooth loss.<\/p>\n

Canker sores<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While they may be harmless, canker sores certainly aren\u2019t painless. And they tend to surface during stressful periods. Researchers haven\u2019t yet found the exact correlation between canker sores and stress, however, they suspect the link has to do with a suppressed immune system.<\/p>\n

Lichen Planus<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes, including those in your mouth. It is characterized by white lines, sores, and ulcers in the oral cavity. It is an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. Some experts believe lichen planus is a reaction to viral infections caused by stress.<\/p>\n

Dry mouth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dry mouth doesn\u2019t seem like it should be an alarming condition. But in reality, it can eventually lead to tooth decay and serious periodontal disease because the body isn\u2019t producing enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria. Dry mouth can be caused by stress, but it can also be caused by medications taken for depression.<\/p>\n

Burning Mouth Syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Psychological problems including stress are just one of the many factors known to cause Burning Mouth Syndrome<\/em>, which is identified by a burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums or palate. The pain, which can be constant or intermittent, can last for months or even years.<\/p>\n

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What Can You Do About the Dental Effects of Stress?<\/h2>\n

First and foremost, it\u2019s important to talk to your medical professionals \u2013 doctors, dentists, and mental health specialists \u2013 about your stress and how to handle it.<\/p>\n

Other ways you can manage your stress levels are:<\/p>\n