Link between Stress and Oral Health
Are you stressed out? You probably already know chronic stress isn't good for you. Stress can take a heavy toll on our bodies, leading to an increase in unhealthy fat around our midsections, a decreased immune response, and can even raise our cancer risk. It turns out that stress can also have an impact on our oral health.
Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is often brought on by stress, leading to tooth damage, fracture, and breakage. Bruxism and stress can both lead to TMJ disorders. If you are diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ disorders, our Westlake cosmetic dentist may prescribe a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night and prevent further damage.
Mouth Sores can also be caused by stress. Canker sores are harmless, but they can be quite painful and irritating. Lichen Planus often include ulcers and white streaks throughout the mouth which may be very painful or tender. Burning Mouth Syndrome has also been associated with stress. Burning Mouth Syndrome causes no sores, but the intense burning combined with the dryness and altered taste sensations can make its sufferers just as miserable as if there were sores.
Perhaps the most serious stress-related oral effects are dry mouth and gum disease. Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable: It can create an unhealthy oral environment that increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and certain oral infections. Gum disease has been linked in recent studies with both heart disease and stroke.
If you experience a high level of stress in your life, it will benefit your physical and oral health to reduce your stress levels and learn valuable stress management techniques to help you better cope. Our Westlake dentist can help by evaluating your oral health and directing you to appropriate resources as needed.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
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Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is often brought on by stress, leading to tooth damage, fracture, and breakage. Bruxism and stress can both lead to TMJ disorders. If you are diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ disorders, our Westlake cosmetic dentist may prescribe a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night and prevent further damage.
Mouth Sores can also be caused by stress. Canker sores are harmless, but they can be quite painful and irritating. Lichen Planus often include ulcers and white streaks throughout the mouth which may be very painful or tender. Burning Mouth Syndrome has also been associated with stress. Burning Mouth Syndrome causes no sores, but the intense burning combined with the dryness and altered taste sensations can make its sufferers just as miserable as if there were sores.
Perhaps the most serious stress-related oral effects are dry mouth and gum disease. Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable: It can create an unhealthy oral environment that increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and certain oral infections. Gum disease has been linked in recent studies with both heart disease and stroke.
If you experience a high level of stress in your life, it will benefit your physical and oral health to reduce your stress levels and learn valuable stress management techniques to help you better cope. Our Westlake dentist can help by evaluating your oral health and directing you to appropriate resources as needed.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
Back to Blog