Chronic stress can have many significant effects on oral health. Emotional stress is believed to be related to the practice of tooth grinding (bruxism) that can lead to damaged teeth, jaw or facial pain, and headaches. Stress is also associated with increased susceptibility to infections, including infections of the gum tissue, known as periodontitis. Aphthous ulcers (canker sores), Dry mouth, Lichen planus, Burning Mouth Syndrome, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders were also identified in a study of oral health conditions that are worsened during times of emotional disturbance.
If you find yourself waking up with an ache in the jaw then it is possible that grinding (bruxism) is affecting your teeth with stress manifesting itself in several ways. If left untreated, it can begin to affect your teeth as well as dental restorations including fillings, bridges and crowns – causing you more pain. Symptoms can vary from constant headache, sore jaw muscles to sensitive teeth.
One should try to reduce stress, but we all know how that isn’t always possible, it is essential to limit the damage done to your teeth by using mild inflammatory and muscle relaxants and Custom-made nightguards.
The night guard is worn over your upper teeth so that your lower teeth cannot bite or grind against them, giving your jaw joints and muscles much-needed rest so they can recover.
People under stress are also more likely to ignore personal hygiene practices and to engage in destructive behaviors such as smoking and alcohol abuse, all of which can have negative effects on oral health.
