Your oral health has been connected to health problems all around the body over the past few years. Often going both ways, your oral health can affect the rest of your body and vice versa. Stress is no exception. 2020 & 2021 have been very stressful years, and if that stress has been hitting you hard, then it may be taking a toll on your oral health as well. Stress can lead to multiple different oral health issues, which we will detail in this post.
Bruxism
Bruxism is better known as the grinding of your teeth, and is a fairly common issue that affects 13% of adults in the United States. Bruxism can lead to many issues, including the following:
- Jaw & Tooth Pain
- Cracked, Chipped or Broken Teeth
- Chronic Headaches
Bruxism may also lead to the development of TMJ syndrome, which can lead to various jaw malfunctions and problems talking, chewing or taking any actions that involve the opening and closing of the mouth. An increase of TMJ cases has been seen as patients go to their doctors about ear aches, believing it to be an infection, only to be referred back to their dentist because stress is causing damage to their jaw. It is believed that anxiety, depression and stress can all play a role in bruxism’s development and intensity, so be sure to reach out to us at Foote Family Dental Care if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Increase of Bacteria in Your Mouth
Studies have shown that stress can lead to a decrease in the saliva flow to your mouth. Saliva is critical in clearing food particles, neutralizing acid and regulating bacteria. A dry mouth can lead to an increase of bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, increases your risk of tooth decay, oral infections and periodontal disease.
Stress can be a damaging factor in all areas of your health, and your oral health is no exception. If you are dealing with dry mouth or any of the symptoms of Bruxism, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foote Family Dental Care and schedule an appointment.
