Stress and Your Oral Health
We know that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. However, it can also do the same to our oral health.
Your physical health most definitely determines whether or not you have a healthy mouth.
We don’t need to list all the stresses that we are all feeling right now.
What we do want to show you is how it affects your oral health.
Effects of stress on your oral health
- Teeth grinding
- Gum disease
- Dry mouth
- Canker sores
- Poor oral hygiene
- TMJ
- Enamel erosion
Teeth Grinding: most people grind their teeth at night and can be unaware they are causing teeth damage. If you are waking up with jaw pain or headaches you are most likely grinding your teeth.
Symptoms
•flattened it fractured teeth
•chipped or broken teeth
•enamel erosion
•tight jaws, neck or face pain
•ear aches
•Teeth sensitivity
You should see your dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Gum Disease
Symptoms
•bleeding gums
•gum sensitivity
•swollen, puffy gums
•bad breath
•pus between gums and teeth
•loose teeth
•painful chewing
•change in bite
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink
To prevent any further damage. See your dentist immediately!
Dry Mouth : you are not producing enough saliva to hero your mouth hydrated
Symptoms
•bad breath
•dry or sore throat
•difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking
•dry grooved tongue
•change in taste
Increase your water intake. See your dentist.
Canker Sores: ulcer
Symptoms
•small white or yellow oval-shaped ulcer in your mouth
•painful red area
•a tingling sensation in your mouth
You may also have swollen lymph nodes, fever and a feeling of just not being well
•canker sires are not contagious
•usually will heal within one - three weeks without treatment
•some can take up to six weeks to heal depending on the severity
Poor Oral Hygiene
Symptoms
•bad breath
•bleeding gums
•tooth decay
•enamel erosion
•gum disease
Poor oral health has a definitive link to your physical health
Practice proper oral health at home
Brush teeth at least twice per day
Floss at least once per day
Keep hydrated - drink at least eight glasses of water per day
Avoid acidic and sugary foods
See your dentist at least twice per year
Never leave a dental problem unchecked. If you have a concern between appointments, please don't hesitate to see your dentist.
What you think may be a small issue can soon become a much more serious issue. ie a small cavity will only get bigger. Dental issues don't get better by themselves.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint
(TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders — a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD — can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
Symptoms
•pain in one or both the of the temporomandibular joints
•pain or tenderness in your jaw
•locking of the jaw-difficulty opening or closing your jaw
•aching in your face
See your dentist us you have any if these symptoms.
Enamel Erosion
Symptoms
•teeth that are chipped or cracked
•discoloration
•teeth sensitivity or pain
•increased tooth decay
•translucent appearance of teeth
•increased sensitivity to hot, cold acidic or spicy foods or drinks
Our world is full of stresses right now. Let's give ourselves one less thing to worry about .
Regularly scheduled check-ups and cleanings will allow you to keep your oral health the best it can be .
Contact your OCD team today to book your dental checkup and cleaning.
Stay safe and we hope to see you soon!
“OCD, your partners in oral health”