Could Stress Be Hurting My Teeth?
Many children dream of becoming adults, looking forward to the freedom associated with adulthood, but being an adult is not always all it’s cracked up to be. Unfortunately, as we all know, adulthood is filled with work responsibilities, family obligations, bills, household tasks, and the list continues on. Adulthood also comes with a number of stressors that can lead to serious health complications. You may be surprised to learn that stress can also lead to a number of oral health complications as well. Continue reading to learn if you are experiencing any complications with your oral health that may be related to stress.
Stress and the Effect on Your Oral Health
Adulthood can be stressful; however, over the past few years, many adults have needed to change and adjust their lifestyles repeatedly, adding more stress than ever before. We have seen the effects of the stress in the mouths of many of our patients. You may be surprised to learn that we can often tell your level of stress by certain indicators in your oral health. Your mouth reveals a lot of what is happening in your body and your life. These indicators can include:
Dental Wear
Worn enamel from teeth grinding is a huge indicator of your stress level. Dental wear can lead to teeth sensitivity issues, as well as cracked and broken teeth.
Sores in the Mouth
High levels of stress can cause patients to bite the inside of their cheeks or lips, causing canker sores to form. If you have dealt with this issue before, you know that it is extremely uncomfortable and can be difficult to eat and drink properly.
Dry Mouth
This is caused by a lack of saliva in the mouth. When feeling stressed or nervous, your heart rate rises, increasing your breathing rate. Rapid breathing can lead to dry mouth, which is also experienced after running or intense exercise.
If you notice that you are experiencing any issues with your mouth, please contact our office located in Terre Haute, IN as soon as possible. Dental issues that remain untreated can progress into something serious over time and can lead to extreme discomfort and costly repairs. We hope that you are staying healthy and safe and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.
