Ways Stress Affect Oral Health

In today’s society, stress is a normal part of everyday life. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, from work and school to relationships and family issues. When people experience stressful situations, their body releases hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause several health issues, including dry mouth.

Saliva contains minerals that produce a protective coating on the teeth and tongue. The mineral content also helps neutralize acids in the mouth and prevent tooth decay. When people are stressed for a long period of time, their saliva glands become overworked and are unable to produce adequate amounts of saliva. As a result, people may experience discomfort in their mouth, such as difficulty chewing and swallowing food. They may also notice a persistent burning sensation on their teeth or tongue.

Many people may think they can deal with these issues by drinking water. Unfortunately, the water itself will not hydrate the tissues of the mouth. Drinking water will only help temporarily relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. In order to effectively treat dry mouth, individuals should talk to their doctor about the issue and find ways to relieve stress. Additionally, they should talk to their dentist about any medications they may be taking that may be causing dry mouth. Long-term use of certain medications can lead to a condition known as xerostomia. This occurs when the salivary glands stop functioning altogether. In some cases, surgery can be used to treat this condition.

Stress can cause many issues in the body, and your oral health is no exception. Stress can negatively affect your teeth in a few different ways. You may grind or clench your teeth when stressed, which can lead to issues like cracked teeth or broken crowns. You may also experience dry mouth when you are stressed, which can increase the risk of cavities. Finally, the hormones released during stressful situations can increase your risk of infection while your body is fighting off a virus or infection.

The best way to protect yourself from the negative effects of stress on your oral health is to practice stress management techniques like meditation, journaling, and exercise. If you suffer from chronic stress, talk to your dentist about treatments that can help protect your teeth and gums.

Treatment Options For Stress

Teeth grinding is a common symptom of stress. To treat teeth grinding, the dentist might fit the patient with an oral appliance worn at night that will prevent the upper and lower jaw from coming together. This oral appliance may also help relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder. In more severe cases, surgery may be used to treat TMD and restore the health of the temporomandibular joint. In some cases, injections of corticosteroids may also help to relieve painful symptoms of TMD.

If a patient is suffering from bruxism, the dentist might suggest a nightguard to protect the teeth and restorations. A nightguard is especially important for patients wearing braces or fixed bridges. Patients who are concerned about nighttime clenching or grinding may consider wearing a mouth guard during the day as well.

Patients should discuss all treatment recommendations with a dentist prior to beginning any course of treatment.

If you have any questions about oral health, call us at (281) 972-4747 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. We’ll be happy to help you further.