Stress and anxiety. Sometimes it’s hard to escape this troublesome duo and their ill effects on our health. In a September 2020 report, the ADA Health Policy Institute found that more than half of dentists surveyed saw an increase of patients with dental conditions often associated with stress.
Dental Side Effects of Stress
Stress can take a physical toll on our health. Teeth grinding is a common condition we see which can be the result of an abnormal bite, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep disorders, missing teeth or often – stress and anxiety. Grinding your teeth can result in chipped and cracked teeth. It can also lead to the painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This joint and its complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones are what we use when we speak, chew, or swallow.
Symptoms of Grinding Your Teeth
Telltale signs of this condition include:
- dull headaches
- jaw soreness
- teeth that are painful or loose
- fractured teeth
When you visit us for your check-up, we can review any concerns or symptoms of grinding your teeth you may have and can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth while sleeping if needed. In addition, learning methods to cope with stress such as exercising, meditating, even talking to someone or counseling can all be great tools to help your wellbeing.